Gonzales, Battle of , was the first engagement between Mexican and Texan forces during the war for Texas independence. The small battle was fought on Oct. 2, 1835, near the town of Gonzales in the present-day state of Texas. Gonzales is often remembered as “the Lexington of Texas” for its place in Texas history. Lexington, Massachusetts , was the site of the first battle of the American Revolution (1775-1783).
In the 1820’s, the government of Mexico invited Americans to settle its province of Texas. By 1835, dissatisfaction with Mexican rule led the settlers to revolt. In late September, a small force of Mexican troops neared Gonzales to retrieve a cannon from the town. A local force of men refused to turn over the cannon. On October 2, the Texan defenders exchanged shots with the Mexican soldiers, who withdrew. Only a few people were wounded in the brief fight. The Texan defenders at Gonzales flew a symbolic flag bearing the words “Come and Take It” beneath the image of a cannon and a lone star.
In 1836, Gonzales sent a force of 32 soldiers to aid in the defense of the Alamo , a mission and fort in San Antonio . Several of the defenders already at the Alamo had also come from Gonzales. All the Gonzales men died in battle. In April, a Texas army led by Sam Houston defeated the main Mexican army to ensure Texas independence.
