GONZALES, TEXAS

Birthplace of Texas Independence - Gateway to Texas History!

The only town in Texas that retains the original Mexican survey of 1832, Gonzales rose from the ashes of the Texas revolution to become a Mecca for ranchers and cattle barons who built cotton plantations and majestic homes along beautiful tree-lined avenues.

Gonzales, Green DeWitt's frontier settlement, holds a unique place in Texas history as the site of the firing of the first shot for Texas independence on October 2, 1835. Eighteen townsmen, forever linked with heroes of the revolution, stood on the bank of the Guadalupe River and refused to give up their small cannon to the Mexican Army, while the women hurriedly fashioned a flag holding a black replica of the cannon on a white background, emblazoned with the words that would echo through the years: "Come & Take It."

In 1836 Gonzales further carved out its niche in history when 32 of her men rode to martyrdom at the Alamo in answer to William Barret Travis's poignant call for help against overwhelming odds. It was to Gonzales that survivors of the battle came, bringing General Sam Houston the news of the garrison's fall.

It was here that the Runaway Scrape began, when Houston, who was training his troops here, ordered the town burned and began his retreat to San Jacinto. It was here that the soldiers returned, determined to rebuild their town and continue their dream of a better life in a new land for their families.

These 49 original blocks and the seven public squares that form a Greek cross saw ranchers and cattle drovers, cotton farmers and bankers follow the returning settlers. All joined together to forge a better, stronger Gonzales, building plantation homes, cottages and Victorian mansions, along with the courthouse, stores, churches, schools and public buildings that would withstand the test of time in a place that became known as "The Birthplace of Texas Independence" and "The Gateway to Texas History".