On October 2, 1835, a single battle ignited a revolution that still echoes across Texas today. The Battle of Gonzales wasn’t just the start of the Texas Revolution. It was a bold declaration of Texian defiance, a spark of independence that set the stage for the birth of the Republic of Texas. On the anniversary of that historic event, we remember the resolve and spirit that began Texas’ path toward sovereignty, a fight that continues in our mission today.
The confrontation at Gonzales wasn’t about a grand army or political elites but about a small group of settlers determined to protect what was theirs—a cannon given to them by Mexican authorities for defense against Native American raids. By late 1835, the political climate had shifted dramatically. General Santa Anna’s government was tightening its grip on Texas, and orders came down to retrieve that cannon. But when Mexican troops arrived, they were met not with compliance but with resistance. The Texians raised a makeshift flag above their camp, emblazoned with a simple but defiant message: “Come and Take It.”
In the early hours of October 2, about 140 Texian volunteers, many of them farmers, stood ready to defend their land and their way of life. Facing off against a larger and better-equipped Mexican force, they refused to yield. Though the skirmish was small in scale, its significance cannot be overstated. It was the first shot in the struggle for Texas independence—a struggle born not in grand halls or by government decree, but by ordinary Texans who understood that freedom is something you must take for yourself.
The Battle of Gonzales marks the moment when Texians, armed with little more than courage and determination, stood up to a regime that no longer represented their interests. It was a clear sign that the people of Texas would not be dictated to by distant powers or centralized authorities—a principle that still rings true for Texans today.
The significance of October 2nd stretches far beyond the Texas Revolution. For those of us in the Texas Nationalist Movement, this date reminds us that the fight for sovereignty is not just a historical moment but an ongoing mission. The same spirit of self-determination that pushed the Texians to resist the Mexican army in 1835 is alive in our movement today. It’s the same spirit that drives us to reclaim Texas’ sovereignty from a federal government that has long since abandoned the values and interests of Texans.
The flag that flew over Gonzales, with its simple challenge, “Come and Take It,” is more than a relic of history—it’s a symbol of Texas’ unwavering resolve. It’s a reminder that when faced with oppression, Texans don’t wait for permission or compromise—they stand, they fight, and they win.
On the anniversary of this critical event, it’s important for all of us to reflect on what October 2nd represents. It’s a call to action for every Texan who believes that bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. should not determine our future, but by the people of Texas. Just as the settlers at Gonzales fought to protect their homes and their freedom, we must fight to protect the sovereignty and future of Texas.
The fight for independence didn’t end at San Jacinto. It’s alive today in every Texian who knows that Texas was meant to stand as a free and independent nation. October 2nd is a reminder that freedom isn’t given—it’s fought for, and it’s won. Now, as we move toward the future, we carry that same determination with us, knowing that one day soon, Texas will once again be a nation.
This October 2nd, let’s not just commemorate history—let’s honor it by taking action. Texans before us have shown us the way. They didn’t ask for permission to be free, and neither will we. Texas independence is not a dream—it’s our destiny. And like the Texians who stood at Gonzales, we will fight for it.
Come and Take It.
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