On March 10, 1831 the colonist of Gonzales, Texas received a six-pound bronze cannon from the regional Mexican leader of Bexar. The colonist were having a problem with some hostile Indians that were terrorizing the town. The cannon was stationary swivel mounted artillery piece and served as a visual deterrent. One would have to imagine the sound of it was also an equally suitable deterrent as well.

With a changing political climate, during the September of 1835, Col. Domingo de Ugartechea sent six men from Bexar to retrieve the cannon. These men were captured by the citizens of Gonzales, and word was sent back to Ugartechea that they were “keeping the cannon”. The cannon was buried in an orchard, and a call was sent out to other Colorado River settlements for help. Ugartechea responded by sending 100 troops to Gonzales to take the cannon. On September 29, thirty mounted Indian fighter retrieved the cannon and carried it to John Sowell’s blacksmith shop where it was mounted on wheels.

“Come and Take It” became the moto adopted by the Texian rebels. On October 2, 1835, the Mexicans requested the cannon be returned because it was only on loan. Instead the Texian rebels pointed to the gun behind them, and said, “there it is-come and take it.” Soon after that a conflict began. A group of the ladies from the settlement made the flag pictured here to fly over the cannon.

Some consider Gonzales to be the first battle for the Independence of Texas.

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