Market House Museum

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and here's how Duane's gonna pass it along to you. Back in 1853, the city of Goliad made it official with City Ordinance No. 28, signed and sealed on August 30th of that year. That piece of ground was dedicated to public use, and what would eventually stand there would wear a whole lot of different hats over the coming century or so.

Around 1871, somebody decided the spot needed a proper market. They put up a structure with twelve by twenty-four foot stalls, the whole project coming in at a cost of five hundred and fifty dollars. Merchants rented those stalls to sell meat and produce, and for a time, that was the life of the place.

But places have a way of changin' with the needs of a town. By 1886, the old market had become a firehouse. Not just a firehouse either, but a building with a meeting hall and a dedicated room for hook and ladder equipment.

A working, living civic heart. Then in 1890, they bought a bell for forty-five dollars. That bell rang through the night hours and sounded the alarms when trouble came calling.

For decades, the volunteer fire company called this building home, right up until 1964. Then in 1967, the building was restored and given new purpose as a museum. The volunteer firemen and their auxiliary sponsored the marker that tells this story, and that feels right.

Some buildings earn their keep more than once.

What the marker says

Site was dedicated to public use by City Ordinance No. 28, on Aug. 30, 1853. About 1871, market with 12 x2 4-ft. stalls was put up at cost of $550, and rented to sellers of meat and produce. In 1886 this became firehouse, with a meeting hall and a room for hook and ladder equipment. Bell bought 1890 for $45 rang night hours and sounded alarms. Home until 1964 of volunteer fire company, this building was restored in 1967 as a museum. Recorded Texas Hitoric Landmark--1968 Incise on base: Marker sponsored by Volunteer Firemen and Auxiliary.