The Goliad Massacre occurred when General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, ordered the execution of Texian prisoners at the Goliad Mission. The Mexican forces captured the Texian soldiers during the Siege of Bexar and subsequent skirmishes and faced mounting pressure to deal decisively with the rebellious Texans. On March 27, well after the formal surrender of Texian commander James Fannin, the decision was made to execute the prisoners. The mass execution took place in the open, where the Texians were shot en masse in a display of military power intended to serve as an example to deter further uprisings.

The harrowing event became a turning point in the Texas Revolution. Accounts of the massacre spread rapidly among Texians, significantly inflaming anger and outrage against Mexican rule. This act not only highlighted the ruthlessness of Santa Anna’s approach but also galvanized Texian forces, who rallied around the rallying cry of "Remember Goliad!" As a consequence, it played a crucial role in inspiring the Texian army at the Battle of San Jacinto, where they ultimately secured their independence from Mexico just weeks later. The aftermath of the massacre deeply influenced Texas culture, memorializing the sacrifices of those killed and establishing Goliad as a symbol of Texian martyrdom.