The Fillies are proud to welcome Debra Holt to the corral with an interesting post. She has a giveaway at the bottom.
Once upon a time, nearly 200 years ago, there was a cannon…
It’s the 1830s, and Texas is a vast expanse of untamed beauty. Rolling plains stretch as far as the eye can see, punctuated by cacti and the occasional hum of wildlife. However, this tranquil landscape conceals rising tensions. American settlers, known as Texians, are growing restless under the Mexican government’s tightening grip. Central to our story is a small cannon gifted to the settlers of Gonzales by Mexican authorities to defend against potential Native American attacks.
Fast-forward a few years to 1835. As tensions reach a boiling point, the Mexican government, possibly regretting its earlier generosity, sends a detachment of 100 soldiers to Gonzales. Their mission? Retrieve the cannon. But the people of Gonzales, sensing the symbolic significance of this request, aren’t willing to comply that easily.
A Symbol of Defiance
The Texians, demonstrating their spirit of resistance, crafted a flag as a powerful retort. On it was a depiction of the very cannon in question, a lone star, and a daring message: “Come and Take It.” This wasn’t merely about a piece of artillery. It was a statement of autonomy, a declaration of their rights, and a refusal to be subdued.
Envision the Standoff
On one side, 100 Mexican soldiers were determined to carry out their orders and return with the cannon. On the other, a group of settlers, their improvised flag catching the wind, the small but symbolic cannon beside them, prepared to defend their principles.
The Skirmish
On October 2nd, as dawn broke over the Texian horizon, a confrontation became inevitable. With a burst of activity, the Texians mounted an offensive. Though the ensuing battle was brief, its repercussions were profound. The Mexican troops, perhaps taken aback by the settlers’ resolve, soon retreated, their mission unfulfilled.
Remarkably, this “battle” saw minimal casualties: one injured on the Mexican side, with the Texians emerging unscathed. Yet, its significance cannot be understated.
Ripples of Revolution
Given its scale and immediate impact, the Battle of Gonzales might seem like a mere footnote. However, in the grand tapestry of history, it was the matchstick that ignited the Texas Revolution. Word of this defiant stand spread rapidly, galvanizing Texians across the region. The “Come and Take It” banner became emblematic of their cause—a tangible representation of the Texian spirit.
In the following months, that spirit would be tested in conflicts like the Battle of the Alamo, culminating in the decisive Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. All of this traces back to that small cannon in Gonzales and the unyielding will of those who stood by it.
Legacy
Today, “Come and Take It” remains an enduring symbol of Texan pride, identity, and resilience. It’s a testament to the notion that even in the face of overwhelming odds, steadfast determination can prevail.
The Battle of Gonzales teaches us about the significance of symbols, the importance of standing up for your beliefs, and the ripple effects a single event can generate. So, if you ever find yourself in Gonzales, Texas, take a moment to remember the little cannon that stood at the heart of a burgeoning revolution.
GIVEAWAY:
I’m excited to send one of you a copy of my new book, The Texas Cowboy’s Christmas Miracle. It’s the 4th and final book in my Texas Heritage Series. Tell me, what’s your favorite part of Texas’ history? And what makes it your favorite?
ABOUT DEBRA:
Born and raised in the Lone Star state of Texas, Debra grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about the most. She also draws upon a variety of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings. (ah, romance!).Debra’s real pride and joys, however, are her son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders, or heading off on another cruise adventure. Writing romances, both contemporary and inspirational, is both her passion and dream come true, and she hopes her books will bring smiles…and sighs… to all who believe in happily-ever-after.
It’s not “Texas History,” but I loved visiting the Dallas Arboretum. My middle son lives in Dallas.
It’s beautiful there, isn’t it?
I don’t know a lot about Texas history, but I do remember reading about the battle of the Alamo. What an inspiring but sad bit of history!
Proud to say an ancestor fought and died in the Alamo battle. My children always loved going there on field trips and showing classmates their relatives name on the plaque.
The Alamo has always captured my attention.
It is special. The ceremony at sunrise on March 6th each year was always on our calendar with the kids.
Mine, too, as it’s part of my legacy.
A few years ago we visited San Antonio and the Alamo. It was informative but I was a little surprised that the mission is right in the middle of the city.
Unfortunately the city was allowed to encroach on the area. Damage has been done from exhaust fumes etc but they are trying to do better.
Reading about the Porvenir Massacre something most texans don’t know about. PBS ran a special about it.
Such a tragic event!
I have a nephew living in Conroe! Love to visit Texas!
Love the countryside and tall trees and lakes of that area.
no fav
That’s okay, it’s hard to pick just one!
Howdy and welcome! I’ve never been to Texas although I’m a neighboring state; Florida. I’ve always heard the sayin,”Everything is bigger in Texas.” I’ve read the history and there is always the documentaries I have seen. Best wishes! And a wave from Florida!
Hope to visit Florida again soon. A blizzard and cold weather followed us last time…all I wanted was warm sunshine. Lol
I can’t say I know about a lot of Texas history so not sure I really have a favorite.
That’s all right – you’ve got time to learn lol!
I don’t know much about Texas history but The Alamo is my favorite part. There was an episode of The Young Riders that dealt with it.
Texas is huge but the Alamo is at the heart.
I loved riding the train in Palestine and hearing about the train robbers.
That is a fun trip to take and in cooler weather!
The Alamo is such a sad story in Texas History but I really enjoyed learning about the battle that followed with Sam Houston and the Cry “Remember the Alamo” and Santa Anna was caught trying to escape in a woman’s dress.
And proud to have General Sam in the family tree. So many great characters to read about in Texas history.
I loved visiting Amarillo, Texas, a few years ago. It was amazing to me to read about the cattle drives, visiting the American Quarter Horse Museum was spectacular, the longhorn cattle were awesome to see while we traveled through Texas, and obviously the cowboy heritage is still very much a part of the Texas history. The expanse of Texas is huge! And, some of my very favorite authors reside in Texas!
I am partial to Texas and cowboys and all the small towns and super friendly people.
The Texas Rangers , I loved learning about them at the Waco Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum, so very interesting. Have a Great weekend.
That is a great place to visit and if you can catch one of the current rangers giving a presentation in the auditorium…even better!
I enjoyed exploring San Antonio, Riverwalk, and of course, the Alamo. The mission looked smaller than I expected but contains so much history and so many far-reaching ideas.
The Alamo is definitely the heart of Texas!
I would have to say, The Alamo. My husband and I both visited this auspicious landmark of a fight for freedom which has been eulogized in movies and tv programs quite often. I, myself, appreciate this because we continually get a history lesson, one we should always remember. I am not a Texan, but they are a strategic part of the U.S. One to be very proud of.
I’m honored to have an ancestor who was at the Alamo. So proud!
I’m not really familiar with Texas history.
That’s okay – there’s always time to learn!
I’m an NY’er born and bred. A Yankee thru and thru. Thru university, then back years later for law school. That said, fate and my job have had me living on both the East and West Coasts (Cali, north and south), and I dragged my family coast-to-coast and back again 3 times. My last employer (British Telecom, 30years) has an office in Dallas so at one time I thought we’d be moving there but that was not to be. VA was the end result, the DC area being the draw for BT. Long story short, I must admit I don’t know much about TX history aside from The Alamo and whatever we learned in school. And, since I am now older than dirt, I fear what I learned is long gone! Thank you for your interesting history lesson.
You’re more than welcome!
I never heard that story before, it’s fascinating!
I would have to say the Alamo. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I don’t know much about Texas’s history, but I’ve always enjoyed the Alamo.
I love the Alamo so much, but unfortunately I’ve never gotten to visit it. I did a project in my high school history class about it, and it was only supposed to be one page, but I wrote three!
I think maybe the large ranches that developed in Texas interest me the most. Women were able to and did play important roles on the ranches and even on the trail drives. The long trail drives were necessary in early years to get the cattle to market are all part of the ranch history.
Welcome and thanks for sharing. My favorite part of Texas history are the ranchers and all the hard work and many hours they put into ranching. I do love other things about Texas, like the Alamo. But without the ranchers, our ranches and cowboys there would not be. Our trail drives would not be. And the tough and resilient men and women would not be. Yes I love Texas. It has so much history. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
I use the story in my American history classes to explain how such things can trigger bigger reactions. The Texas Vice Present had help draft the Constitution of Mexico and still broke with the nation. Most forget many of the Mexican-Texans population joined in the revolution.
I don’t know much about the history of Texas but found the story you shared quite fascinating so I’ll pick that. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win a prize.
I would love to visit Texas someday. I especially want to visit the Alamo. I am so inspired by the bravery of those who fought and died there.
Howdy fellow Texan!
My favorite part of Texas history is the fact that the Come and Take It Cannon is a L O T smaller than anyone expects. It truly stakes the claim of, “small, but mighty!”
Sorry to say I don’t know much about the history of Texas. I do know abut the Alamo and the battle that took place there. I have visited the Alamo and was thoroughly engrossed in the history I learned there.
All I remember about the history of Texas is from History books in grammar school. The fight at the Alamo stands out in my memory.
My dad was a native and I have relatives living in several parts of the state – sister in San Antonio, cousins in DFW area, etc. Would love to move down there
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