What happened to James Fannin and his men after they surrendered at the Battle of Coleto?

After James Fannin and his men surrendered at the Battle of Coleto, they were indeed marched to Goliad and subsequently executed. This tragic event was part of the larger context of the Texas Revolution, where the treatment of Texian prisoners by Mexican troops was a significant issue. Following their surrender on March 19, 1836, Fannin and approximately 300 men were held captive despite their hope for better treatment based on the tenets of war.

General José de Urrea, who led the Mexican forces, had initially expressed some level of reluctance about executing the prisoners, but higher command ultimately ordered that they be executed to prevent them from rejoining the Texian cause. On March 27, 1836, these men were taken outside the fort at Goliad and executed in what is known as the Goliad Massacre. This event heightened tensions and outrage among the Texian forces, contributing to a rallying cry for Texans to continue their fight for independence. The historical significance of this event is considerable, as it symbolized the brutal realities of conflict and the stakes involved in the struggle for Texan independence.