Goliad, TX - February, 1936
“At a certain point the needle began to act up. We began digging at 8 o’clock at night. It was pretty dark and a cold norther was blowing. With picks, grubbing hoes and shovels we kept going down and down. We were looking for buried gold. There were five of us, Pedro Perez, Stephen Perez, Manuel Cabrerra and Toby Perez. We drank a good deal of coffee and believe me, it was exciting. Along about 2 o’clock in the morning my grubbing hoe hit something with a metallic sound.”
A.V. Shaw
The San Antonio Light - February 17, 1936
"James Fannin's Twin Cannon Have Been Discovered,
Almost 100 Years To A Day"
The San Antonio Light - February 17, 1936
"Relics Found On Centennial"
The San Antonio Light - February 17, 1936
A.V. Shaw and his treasure hunting partner, P.H. Hinkle, along with their team of men unearthed the cannons using one of Charlie Meyer's radio metal detectors.
"Disputed Texan Artillery"
The San Antonio Light - February 26, 1936
Shaw and Hinkle were charged with felony theft as it was alleged by the officers the cannons were regarded as state property and in the custody of the Catholic church.
"State of Texas lays claim to unearthed Goliad cannon."
The San Antonio Light - February 26, 1936
No arrests were initially made as both men were in San Antonio when officers visited the Shaw home. Later, however, both men were detained.
"Third Cannon Found At Goliad"
The San Antonio Light - September 10, 1937
Shaw credited the success of his expedition to the radio metal detector which he wore over his shoulders like a harness.
"A Mighty Fine Gun"
The Houston Chronicle Rotogravure Magazine - June 12, 1955
(Photo by Jimmy Walker)
A.V. Shaw stands next to the third cannon he unearthed while digging for treasure in and around the Presidio La Bahia.
"Using a radio metal locator, Shaw checks for possible treasure among the ruins of an old monastery."
The Houston Chronicle Rotogravure Magazine - June 12, 1955
(Photo by Jimmy Walker)
A similar machine was used to detect the presence of the cannons almost twenty years earlier.
"There she lays!"
The Houston Chronicle Rotogravure Magazine - June 12, 1955
(Photo by Jimmy Walker)
Shaw points to a spot in the San Antonio River where he said he knew another cannon was located.
"Daddy Was Looking For The End Of The Rainbow"
Fannin Shaw - The Victoria Advocate - May 7, 1986
Sometimes the unique stories behind our histories are lost, until a person comes along and dares to unearth them, gives them an opportunity to speak again, and start a new journey of story telling.
Lost Cannon Stories speaks from a perspective of historical understanding and the personal and shared experiences, of the people, places and events that made Goliad and the Presidio La Bahia a center point of reflection, remembrance and inspiration.
As an oral presentation come hear about A.V. Shaw and his team's treasure hunting story that led to the unearthing of three Texas Revolution era cannons used by Col. Fannin and his men and buried at the Presidio La Bahia.
Listen to the accounts of additional cannons discovered in the years leading up to the 1936 Texas Centennial and those still missing including “The Flying Cannon” and “One In The River."
Learn about the Goliad and La Bahia communities of yesterday and today and hear what it was like growing up in the shadows of a Texas Historical icon.
Wonder about a few local ghost stories and instances of the unexplained that you'll hear related to A.V. and others' experiences.
And more...
The presentation is given by A.V. Shaw's great-grandson, David Tijerina, and incorporates the history and stories told to him by A.V.'s son, Fannin, along with historic events chronicled by journalists who interviewed both father and son in the years following the discoveries.
Details
Presentations last approximately 1 hour and begin at the Fannin Monument. There we will view two Texas Revolution era cannons that were present with Col. Fannin and his troops and unearthed by A.V. Shaw in 1936. Via a short walk we'll visit the nearby Angel of Goliad statue and visit the La Bahia Cemetery where A.V., his family, and other Goliad and La Bahia residents rest. We will conclude with a view of the San Antonio River from land owned by A.V. and now his grandson.
Duration
Approximately 1 Hour
Accommodations
Please Dress Accordingly As Shade Is Minimal.
Refund Policy
In Case Of Bad Weather & Presentation Is Canceled Refunds Will Be Issued.
Parking Available At First & Final Locations
