Come and Take It

The following information is revised from the Texas State Handbook - Follow this link for more details: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/gonzales-come-and-take-it-cannon

Find a video link with more information here: https://youtu.be/q1nEbci-xsE?si=zsHgDqHPOThs3c0N

The Gonzales “Come and Take It” Cannon

The Gonzales cannon was a small bronze gun made in Spain. It could shoot a ball that weighed six pounds. In 1835, this cannon became very important because both the Mexican army and the American settlers in Texas wanted it. The fight over the cannon led to the Battle of Gonzales, which was the first battle of the Texas Revolution.

In 1831, a Texas settler named Green DeWitt asked for a cannon to help protect the town of Gonzales from attacks by Native Americans. The Mexican government agreed and gave the settlers the cannon. The deal was that the cannon had to be given back if the Mexican leaders ever asked for it. At first, the cannon was not on wheels. Instead, it may have been set up in one of the two forts in Gonzales to scare off attackers.

Four years later, in September 1835, Mexican commander Col. Ugartechea sent soldiers to take the cannon back. But the settlers in Gonzales refused to give it up. They even captured the soldiers and buried the cannon in an orchard so the army couldn’t find it.

When the Mexican commander sent more troops, the settlers dug up the cannon. They put it on wheels from a cotton wagon so it could be moved and fired. On October 2, 1835, the settlers fired the cannon in a battle against the Mexican soldiers. This was the start of the Texas Revolution.

Before the battle, the settlers made a flag. It showed a picture of the cannon and the words “Come and Take It.” The women of Gonzales helped make the flag using fabric they donated. The flag flew above the cannon during the battle, showing the settlers’ bravery and determination.