Goliad preserves what was probably a common attribute of small Texas towns in the nineteenth century: a startling conjunction of urbanity and rusticity. The expansion of car-related sprawl after the 1920s made this once common condition unusual. The Baker House, a substantial two-story brick house facing east toward the line of S. Commercial Street (formerly Ferry Street, leading to the old ferry landing), appears to be sitting in the country although it is one block from Goliad's courthouse square. The house was built by Goliad businessman and rancher Charles H. Baker on property he acquired in 1876. Baker had the house built of brick fired on-site in a kiln near the river. It looks like it could have been lifted straight off King William Street in San Antonio.