The Battle of Gonzales is a key turning point in the history of Texas, and the “Come and Take It Flag” is an enduring symbol of the state’s unyielding spirit of independence. The story begins in 1831, when settlers in Gonzales lent a Mexican government-owned cannon to neighbors who were struggling against Comanche raids. The small, outdated cannon served little military value and could be fired only at horseback. When the Mexican government demanded its return, local women fashioned a white flag featuring a cannon and the words, “Come and take it.”Go here:https://ultimateflags.com/blog/the-come-and-take-it-flag-and-the-battle-of-gonzales/

This daring slogan was a perfect fit for the Texans, who were fighting for more than just a piece of metal; they were seeking independence from tyrannical rule. After a failed attempt to retrieve the cannon, the Texans charged the Mexican troops, who fled in full retreat. The stalemate that followed would last for several hours and result in the first shots of the Texas Revolution.

Remembering the Come and Take It Flag and the Battle of Gonzales

Today, versions of the “Come and Take It Flag” appear on everything from a laundromat to a beauty salon in Gonzales. The flag is also a popular symbol for gun-rights activists, who see it as an affirmation of their Second Amendment rights against tyrannical government policies. It has even been used by rock musician Ted Nugent, who incorporated it in his 2021 album, Detroit Muscle.

As the tenth anniversary of the Battle of Gonzales approaches, the flag has become an icon of Texas culture and a reminder that there is always a battle to be fought against oppressive rule. The story behind the flag reveals how the “Come and Take It” motto has become a touchstone for a broad range of Texans, from those who cherish their right to bear arms to those who seek to defend traditional family values.