Come and Take It – The First Battle of the Texas Revolution

The phrase “Come and Take It” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a symbol of defiance, freedom, and the moment Texas history took a decisive turn toward independence. The battle that inspired this phrase wasn’t a large-scale military clash. It was a skirmish near the small town of Gonzales, Texas, involving a single cannon—but its legacy echoes through Texas to this day.

🔥 The Tension Before the Flame

In the early 1830s, tensions between Anglo-American settlers (Texians) and the Mexican government were escalating. Settlers had been moving into Texas, then part of Mexico, under agreements with the Mexican government—but political instability, changing leadership, and stricter enforcement of Mexican law strained those relations.

To protect the town of Gonzales from Comanche raids, Mexican authorities had loaned the settlers a small bronze cannon. But as revolution loomed, Mexican Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea ordered the return of that cannon, fearing it would be used against Mexican forces.

The settlers refused.

💥 The Standoff at Gonzales

When Mexican troops arrived in early October 1835 to retrieve the cannon, they were met not with compliance—but with resistance. Local settlers buried the cannon and rallied reinforcements. Within a few days, over 140 armed Texian volunteers stood their ground.

Before dawn on October 2, 1835, a skirmish broke out. The Texians unfurled a homemade flag bearing a black star, the image of the cannon, and the now-legendary words:
“COME AND TAKE IT.”

After a short exchange of gunfire, the Mexican troops withdrew. The Texians had successfully resisted the order—marking what many historians call the first battle of the Texas Revolution.

The Flag That Became a Rallying Cry

The “Come and Take It” flag wasn’t created by a military strategist or a government—it was sewn by the wives of the Gonzales militia. But its message captured the spirit of what was to come. The phrase quickly became a symbol of resistance to tyranny and remains one of the most iconic mottos in Texas history.

Today, the flag has become a staple in Texas culture—flown at rallies, printed on bumper stickers and T-shirts, and even adapted into modern-day slogans. It embodies the bold, independent spirit of the Lone Star State.

🏛️ Legacy and Historical Impact

Though the Battle of Gonzales resulted in few casualties and minimal destruction, its symbolic importance was monumental. It showed that the settlers were ready to resist Mexican rule and fight for their autonomy.

This moment lit the spark that led to:

• The Siege of Bexar (Dec 1835)

• The Goliad Campaign

• The Battle of the Alamo (Feb-Mar 1836)

• And ultimately, Texas’ Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836

The cannon itself? It’s believed to have either been buried or lost to time, but a cannon believed to be the original Gonzales cannon is displayed in the Gonzales Memorial Museum, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

🔎 Did You Know?

• The “Come and Take It” flag was inspired by an earlier symbol from Spartan history—where King Leonidas reportedly said the same phrase to the Persian army.

• October 2 is now commemorated as “Come and Take It Day” in Texas.

• You can visit the Come and Take It Festival every October in Gonzales to relive history with parades, reenactments, and exhibits.