10/02/2026
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Come and Take It
On October 2, 1835, the Texian volunteers attacked Castañeda’s camp near Gonzales. Fog covered the ground as shots were exchanged. The Texians brought forward the disputed cannon and flew a handmade white banner bearing a cannon, a star, and the words that would become inseparable from Texas history: Come and Take It.
Castañeda pulled his men back to a low rise. During a pause, he met with Texian commander John Henry Moore and asked why his troops had been attacked. Moore answered that the settlers were defending their cannon and the federal Constitution of 1824, which Santa Anna’s Centralist government had cast aside.
Castañeda said he personally favored federalism but remained bound by his military orders. Moore invited him to join the Texians. He refused, and the talks ended.
When fighting resumed, Castañeda recognized that he was outnumbered and ordered a withdrawal toward Béxar.
The clash was brief, but its meaning was clear. Armed resistance had replaced protest. The Battle of Gonzales became the opening military engagement of the Texas Revolution.
Next: The victory at Gonzales sends Texian volunteers toward San Antonio de Béxar.
