We happened to find these "handsome" guys on an empty front porch behind La Bahia, the old fortress, the monument of (the battle of) Fannin, and the birthplace of general Zaragoza.

This is Goliad TX, a sleepy place that has a population of just under 2000, 1908 according to the entrance sign..It also has a gorgeous court square with historic buildings, but with hardly any action. Perfect spot for a terrace, a coffee shop, but nobody is using the beautiful views for some outdoor business. I guess there are simply not enough customers around. 

Goliad is a place that has a history of bloody defending and being occupied. In its short history eight different flags have been raised here and it hit me that these men seem to kind of watching out. I don't know for who and what, but watching out is in their genes with this history. If eight different flags have been raised in not even 300 years, it means that maybe your father, your grandfather, your direct ancestors fought. An uncle has died, an aunt helped taking care of the wounded. Those stories of fighting are part of your education, your upbringing, also in 2022, when there doesn't seem to be any eminent threat. This violence has been going on in your land and in your family for a long time. That must have an impact. I understand. My husband's grandfather was executed by the Germans in 1945, a few days before the liberation,  and that horror had its impact. That was "only" one war, in an otherwise peaceful family history. Not eight!! On the either hand...the last 100 or so years have been pretty calm, not?

They are pieces of folk art, no serious meaning maybe. Don't know who the folks are and where they came from. They don't look like Indians, they are not Spanish priests inspired by Franciscus of Assisi, not Mexicans either and there are not many here in Goliad. Yet, these statues are the way Texas is getting presented so often.

There is plenty more beauty here: The blue sky around the white Mission church was so beautiful! Reminded me of Santorini, Greece. Yes, that gorgeous with the blue embracing the white stone. Around the mission church were still the old rock walls, telling their stories of safety and community for whoever made it inside the walls over 200 years ago.

One woman, nicknamed the Angel, got a statue for her kindness and compassion during battle time. Her bravery of another kind saved the lives of many soldiers and that made her a local legend. The sculptures can see her too from where they are sitting on that porch. From her they certainly don't have to fear anything.

The Spanish priests introduced the locals to cattle ranching and Goliad had the first cattle ranch of Texas, but no statue for this. 

It's an interesting place, this Goliad. Made us think about the colors of Texas. We like to travel and we love to travel off the beaten path. It can show so much! There is very little distraction here and maybe that is how history can find room to talk to us bikers?