Battle of Gonzales: First Shot of the Texas Revolution

The Battle of Gonzales, fought on October 2, 1835, was the opening skirmish of the Texas Revolution. Though small in scale, it marked the beginning of armed resistance by Texian settlers against Mexican authority and became a powerful symbol of the movement for independence.

Background

In 1831, Mexican officials loaned a small cannon to the settlers of Gonzales, Texas, to help defend against raids by Indigenous groups. By 1835, tensions between Anglo-American colonists (Texians) and the Mexican central government had escalated. After President Antonio López de Santa Anna strengthened central authority and revoked aspects of the federalist Constitution of 1824, unrest spread across Texas.

Fearing rebellion, Mexican authorities ordered the settlers of Gonzales to return the cannon. The Texians refused, arguing that the cannon was essential for their defense. This refusal set the stage for confrontation.

The Skirmish

• On September 29, 1835, Lieutenant Francisco de Castañeda was dispatched from San Antonio with about 100 Mexican dragoons to recover the cannon.

• The settlers stalled, buying time to gather reinforcements from nearby communities. Within days, their force grew to around 140–150 armed men under the leadership of John H. Moore and other local militia officers.

• To taunt the Mexicans, the settlers fashioned a white flag featuring a black image of the cannon and the words “Come and Take It.” This banner became one of the most enduring symbols of Texian defiance.

On the morning of October 2, Texian militia crossed the Guadalupe River and ambushed Castañeda’s men. After a brief exchange of fire, in which one or two Mexican soldiers were killed and others wounded, Castañeda ordered a retreat. The Texians reported no fatalities, though at least one man was injured in a horse accident.

Significance

Although militarily minor, the Battle of Gonzales had an outsized impact:

• First shots of the Texas Revolution: The engagement marked the official beginning of the Texians’ fight for independence from Mexico.

• Symbol of resistance: The “Come and Take It” flag became a rallying cry across Texas and remains a symbol of independence and defiance today.

• Momentum for rebellion: The victory at Gonzales emboldened Texian forces and inspired volunteers to join the revolutionary cause, setting the stage for larger confrontations such as the Siege of Béxar and the Battle of the Alamo.

Key Facts

• Date: October 2, 1835

• Location: Gonzales, Coahuila y Tejas, Mexico (present-day Texas)

• Belligerents:

  • Mexico (Centralist Army under Santa Anna)

  • Texian settlers (Texian militia)

• Commanders:

  • Mexico: Lt. Francisco de Castañeda

  • Texians: John H. Moore, with support from other militia leaders

• Strength:

  • Mexican forces: ~100

  • Texian forces: ~140–150

• Casualties:

  • Mexican: 1–2 killed, several wounded

  • Texian: none killed, minor injuries reported

• Result: Texian victory; Mexican withdrawal

• Outcome: Sparked the Texas Revolution, ultimately leading to the creation of the Republic of Texas in 1836.

Legacy

The Battle of Gonzales is remembered not for its scale, but for its symbolism. The refusal to surrender the cannon and the defiant “Come and Take It” flag embodied the Texians’ determination to resist Mexican control. Today, Gonzales celebrates the event each year with Come and Take It Days, honoring the battle that launched the Texas Revolution.