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Texas History

Gonzales Fired the First Shot of the Texas Revolution

On October 2, 1835, colonists in Gonzales refused to hand over a cannon to Mexican troops, starting the Texas Revolution.

Gonzales County History & Culture

In 1831, Mexican authorities gave Gonzales colonists a small bronze cannon to defend against raids. By 1835, relations had broken down. Mexican soldiers arrived to take the cannon back. The colonists sewed a flag with a cannon image and the words "Come and Take It" and refused. The skirmish on October 2, 1835 is considered the first battle of the Texas Revolution. The city of Gonzales earned the nickname "The Lexington of Texas."

A smaller companion cannon — an esmeril — was found after a 1936 flood and is now on display at the Gonzales Memorial Museum in town. The Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas documents this history in detail at tshaonline.org.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Gonzales Come and Take It Cannon

More Gonzales County notes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Gonzales County

Gonzales County splits property tax work between two offices — one sets your value, the other sends the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

Apply for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

Texas homeowners who live in their home can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the value used to calculate property taxes.

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Water Wells

A Groundwater District Oversees Water Wells in Gonzales County

If you plan to drill a water well or buy rural land in Gonzales County, a local groundwater district has rules you need to know first.

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Flood Risk

The Guadalupe River Floods Hard in Gonzales County

The Guadalupe River runs through the county and can flood far beyond its banks — check FEMA maps before buying land near the river.

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