Battle of Gonzales facts for kids

The Battle of Gonzales was the very first fight of the Texas Revolution. This important battle happened near Gonzales, in what was then called Mexican Texas, on October 2, 1835. It was a clash between Texan settlers who wanted more freedom and soldiers from the Mexican army.

On that day, rising tensions between Mexico and the people living in Texas exploded into violence. Mexican soldiers tried to take away a cannon from the people of Gonzales. This act sparked the Texan war for independence. Texas, or "Tejas" as the Mexicans called it, had been part of the Spanish Empire since the 1600s before Mexico gained its own independence.

Why the Fight Started

For a long time, people from the United States had been moving to Texas. Mexico had invited them to settle there, but they had to follow Mexican laws. As more and more settlers arrived, they started to want more control over their own lives and government. They felt that the Mexican government was not listening to their needs.

The Cannon at Gonzales

The town of Gonzales had a small cannon. This cannon was given to them by the Mexican government in 1831 to help protect them from Native American raids. It was a small, six-pound cannon, meaning it fired cannonballs weighing six pounds.

As tensions grew, the Mexican government became worried that the Texans might use this cannon against them. So, they sent soldiers to take it back.

Mexico's Demand

Colonel Domingo Ugartechea, a Mexican military commander, ordered Lieutenant Francisco Castañeda to go to Gonzales and get the cannon. Castañeda and about 100 soldiers arrived near Gonzales on September 29, 1835.

The people of Gonzales refused to give up their cannon. They felt it was their right to keep it for their own protection.

The Standoff

When the Mexican soldiers arrived, the Texans hid the cannon and prepared to defend it. They sent word to nearby settlements asking for help. Soon, more Texan volunteers arrived in Gonzales, ready to fight.

"Come and Take It!"

The Texans quickly gathered about 140 volunteers. They raised a flag they had made. This flag was white and had a picture of the cannon on it, along with the words "Come and Take It!" This became a famous slogan for the Texans, showing their defiance.

The Battle Begins

On the morning of October 2, 1835, the Texan volunteers decided to attack the Mexican soldiers. They surprised Castañeda's troops. The Texans fired the cannon, and a brief fight broke out.

The Mexican soldiers were outnumbered and did not want to start a full-scale war. Lieutenant Castañeda decided to retreat, meaning he pulled his soldiers back. The Texans had won the first battle.

What Happened Next

The Battle of Gonzales was a small fight, but it was a huge moment for the Texans. It showed that they were willing to fight for their rights and their independence. It was the first time Texan settlers openly fought against the Mexican army.

This battle is often called the "Lexington of Texas" because, like the Battle of Lexington in the American Revolution, it was the first armed conflict that led to a much larger war. After Gonzales, more battles followed, eventually leading to Texas becoming an independent republic.

Images for kids

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  Museum mural of Texian soldiers fighting in the Battle of Gonzales, which was referred to as the "Lexington of Texas" because it was the first battle of the Texas Revolution

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  Memorial at the site of the Battle of Gonzales

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  This cannon, displayed at the Gonzales Memorial Museum, may have precipitated the battle.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de González para niños