Battle of Gonzales

Between the volleys the two commanders talked. During a lull on the morning of October 2, 1835, Castañeda asked John Henry Moore why his men had been attacked without provocation, and Moore answered that the Texans were fighting to keep their cannon and to uphold the Constitution of 1824. Castañeda said he was a Federalist opposed to Santa Anna, but a soldier must follow orders. When the fighting resumed, he withdrew toward Bexar, reporting that he had done so "without compromising the honor of Mexican arms." The skirmish marked a clear break with Mexico.

What the plaque says

Battle of Gonzales The first battle of the Texas Revolution, fought on the west side of the Guadalupe River about four miles above Gonzales on October 2, 1835, came to be known as the Lexington of Texas. The incident grew out of Col. Domingo de Ugartechea's demand late in September for a cannon given to the settlement for defense against Indians. When the colonists refused to deliver the cannon, Ugartechea sent 150 Dragoons to demand the weapon. Alcalde Andrew Ponton, in the meantime, sent word to other colonists that he had refused to surrender the cannon, which on September 29 was buried in George W. Davis' peach orchard. From September 30 to October 2, the number of defenders at Gonzales had grown from 18 to about 160. Under command of John H. Moore and J. W. E. Wallace they dug up the cannon, mounted it on ox-cart wheels, filled it with chains and scrap iron, crossed the river and marched toward the enemy. When the Texan scouts discovered the Mexican forces early October 2 they fired their pieces and retired with the Mexicans in pursuit. A discharge from the six-pounder caused the latter to retreat. When the Texans opened with their artillery and charged the enemy his force was driven back in the direction of San Antonio. (1964)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Andrew Ponton — steps away
• Plaza — steps away
• James W. Robinson — steps away
• Central Square — steps away