Dark Mode Off / On

Gonzales Texas is a Small Town With Big Charm and History! There are so many things to do and see and enjoy!

Things to do in Gonzales Texas

A Quick History Lesson

In the first conflict of the Texas Revolution the Battle of Gonzales fought over the Gonzales Cannon. The Battle of Gonzales was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. It was fought near Gonzales, Texas, on October 2, 1835.

In 1831, Mexican authorities lent the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to help protect them from frequent Comanche raids. Over the next few years, the political situation deteriorated and unrest spread. So the commander of all Mexican troops in Texas requested the return of the cannon.

  • Things to do in Gonzales Texas
  • Things to do in Gonzales Texas
  • Things to do in Gonzales Texas
  • Things to do in Gonzales Texas
  • Things to do in Gonzales Texas

The Texan settlers in Gonzales refused to give it back so the commander of the Mexican troops sent troops to retrieve the cannon. The soldiers neared Gonzales on September 29, but the colonists used a variety of excuses to keep them from the town, while secretly sending messengers to request assistance from nearby communities. Within two days, up to 140 Texans gathered in Gonzales, all determined not to give up the cannon. On October 1, settlers voted to initiate a fight. Mexican soldiers opened fire as Texans approached their camp in the early hours of October 2. After several hours of desultory firing, the Mexican soldiers withdrew.

At this time the Texans raised a homemade white banner with an image of the cannon painted in black in the center, over the words “Come and Take It”.  They then fired their cannon at the Mexican camp. The troops were gone before the Texans finished reloading.

Things to do in Gonzales Texas

This event marked a clear break between the Texan colonists and the Mexican government and is considered to have been the start of the Texas Revolution.

Alcalde Hotel in Gonzales Texas

The Come And Take It Flag

The flag was not a flag! Sarah Seely DeWitt, Empresario Green DeWitt’s wife, designed the First Flag. She and her daughter, Naomi, cut up Naomi’s wedding dress to make the “Come and Take It” banner battle flag in late September after Naomi DeWitt married William A. Matthews on August 8, 1835 in Austin Colony. This famous “first Texas flag” has a black cannon and the words “Come and Take It.”

Things to do in Gonzales Texas

Why Visit Gonzales

Now that you know the large amount of Texas history that happened in and near Gonzales Texas, you can see why it is such a big part of our Texas story and why it is a great place to visit whether you are a Texan or not.

Beyond History there is surprisingly so much to do in this small town.

What to do in Gonzales Texas

  1. Visit the Jail Museum
  2. Visit the largest private collection of guns in the US (includes lots of military memorabilia)
  3. Visit the Memorial Museum
  4. Visit the many shops
  5. Go antique hunting
  6. Go dancing (Check out the Long Branch Saloon)
  7. Stay at the historic Hotel Alcalde
  8. Go see the original Cannon at the Memorial Museum
  9. Go on a driving or walking home tour
  10. Eat BBQ (Check out the Come and Take It Bar)
  11. Visit the old Lynn Theater (It still shows new movies!)
Things to do in Gonzales Texas- Jail Musuem
Things to do in Gonzales Texas-
Things to do in Gonzales Texas
Gonzales Texas: Small Town With Big Charm and History

Heather Brummett

I am Heather Brummett . I'm just a real mom, sharing my real life experiences with the world. Thank you for being a part of my world. Here you will find recipes, crafts, fun ideas for the kids, how to work at home, encouragement, inspiration, and the latest news in and around Houston. To be featured or for information on freelance work contact me at [email protected].

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *