After the Battle of San Jacinto, where the Texan army decisively defeated the Mexican forces and captured Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna, General Urrea's troops captured the remaining Texan forces at Goliad. Santa Anna had previously ordered Urrea to execute all captured Texan prisoners.
Despite some efforts by Texian officers to negotiate a surrender and promises of sparing their lives, Urrea carried out Santa Anna's orders. On March 27, 1836, about 342 Texan prisoners were marched out of Goliad and summarily executed by firing squad. Only a few, such as the famous Deaf Smith, managed to escape.
The Goliad Massacre was a significant atrocity in the Texas Revolution and contributed to the Texans' deep hatred of the Mexican army. It fueled their determination to fight for their independence and shaped the broader conflict between Texas and Mexico.
