Militia Resists Mexican Troops in Gonzales
Mexican troops attempted to disarm residents in Gonzales, Texas, leading to a confrontation with a local militia. The government aimed to retrieve a cannon lent to the settlers for defense against Native American attacks. However, the residents, led by John H. Moore, were determined to keep their weaponry and mounted fierce resistance, reflecting the growing tensions between Texians and the Mexican authority.
Gonzales residents defied Mexican troops.
The cannon had been used for local defense.
The phrase 'Come and Take It' emerged.
This marked the start of the Texas Revolution.
What Happened?
Tensions had been escalating between Mexican authorities and Texian settlers due to issues surrounding governance and autonomy. In September 1835, fears rose among settlers that the Mexican government intended to disarm them, culminating in a request for the return of a cannon that had been loaned to the Gonzales settlers for protection against Native American raids. On October 2, 1835, authorities sent a detachment of soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Francisco de Castañeda to retrieve the cannon. The mission quickly turned confrontational as the Gonzales residents, organized into a militia, decided to refuse the soldiers' orders firmly.
Local leaders, including John H. Moore, mobilized their fellow settlers, rallying around the slogan "Come and Take It," which underscored their determination to defend their right to self-defense against the advancing Mexican troops. As tensions flared, the militia responded with gunfire, signaling a series of skirmishes that would be the first significant conflict of the Texas Revolution. Despite being outnumbered, the residents' resolve marked a crucial moment in asserting their defiance against Mexican governance.
Why Does it Matter?
The events at Gonzales are often cited as the opening shots of the Texas Revolution, highlighting the settlers’ struggle for autonomy and governance. The phrase "Come and Take It" became a rallying cry for Texian rebels and symbolized their fight for liberty. This confrontation not only ignited the Texas Revolution but also illuminated the burgeoning conflict between the Anglo settlers and the Mexican government, ultimately leading to Texas's independence.