Image Courtesy of the Gonzales Memorial Museum and J. Williams.
The Battle of Gonzales (1835) "Come and Take It"
The Battle of Gonzales marked the spark that ignited the Texas Revolution. Often referred to as the "Lexington of Texas," this small but symbolic clash on October 2, 1835, set the tone for the fight that would lead to Texas independence from Mexico. What began as a dispute over a small cannon quickly grew into a declaration of defiance that inspired an entire movement.
The Tensions Before the Battle
In the early 1830s, Mexican authorities had provided settlers in Gonzales with a small six-pound cannon to help defend against Comanche raids. By 1835, tensions between Anglo settlers and the Mexican government were at a boiling point. President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had dissolved the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and centralized power, stripping away many local rights.
When Mexican officials ordered the settlers to return the cannon, the people of Gonzales refused. Their reasoning was simple - the cannon was their protection, and they did not trust the government's intentions. This refusal set the stage for confrontation.
The Stand at Gonzales
On October 1, 1835, a small detachment of Mexican soldiers arrived near Gonzales to retrieve the cannon. However, the settlers had already hidden it and sent out a call for reinforcements from neighboring communities. Within a day, over 150 Texian volunteers had gathered.
As the Mexican troops approached, they found the crossing of the Guadalupe River blocked. In the early hours of October 2, the Texians raised a white flag made from a wedding dress, bearing the words "Come and Take It" alongside a simple image of the cannon and a lone star. That morning, the Texians opened fire - the first shots of the Texas Revolution. The Mexican forces withdrew, leaving the defiant settlers victorious.
Aftermath and Significance
Although only a brief skirmish, the Battle of Gonzales became a rallying cry across Texas. News spread quickly, and volunteers began organizing into a revolutionary army. The "Come and Take It" flag symbolized resistance against tyranny and the determination to fight for liberty - values that would define the Republic of Texas.
In the weeks that followed, more conflicts erupted, leading to major battles at Goliad, Concepcion, and eventually the Alamo. But it all began in Gonzales, where a handful of settlers refused to surrender a single cannon.
Remembering Gonzales Today
Today, the city of Gonzales proudly preserves its legacy as the birthplace of Texas independence. The cannon - believed to have been buried and later recovered - is displayed in the Gonzales Memorial Museum. Each October, the community celebrates "Come and Take It Days," honoring the courage of those who stood their ground in 1835.
The Battle of Gonzales remains more than a historical event; it represents the moment when ordinary citizens chose to fight for extraordinary freedom. It is a reminder that even the smallest act of defiance can change the course of history. FInd out more: gonzales-come-and-take-it-cannon