On October 2, 1835, the small town of Gonzales became ground zero for a high-stakes tug-of-war that sparked the Texas Revolution. It was all over a small cannon, which had been used to defend the town against Native American raids. But the phrase that sparked the battle, “Come and take it,” didn’t just refer to the cannon; it embodied a spirit of defiance against oppression that would reverberate throughout history.
When Texians hoisted the “Come and Take It” Come and Take Flag and the Battle of Gonzales History | Ultimate Flags Store, they were not only daring Mexican soldiers to try to retrieve the cannon; they were asserting their right to independence from Mexico. The resulting battle would be the first sign of a break with the Mexican government, which led to the formation of the Republic of Texas less than a year later.
The Battle of Gonzales: The Come and Take It Flag and Its History
The “Come and Take It” slogan has since become an iconic symbol of Texas pride. The town of Gonzales holds an annual “Come and Take It” festival, and the original cannon still stands on display in the town’s memorial museum. But outside of the town, the phrase has also been lifted by activists and marketers with varying agendas. This appropriation upsets some of Gonzales’ residents, who feel the phrase is being cheapened and want to protect the heritage associated with it.
Today, the phrase is primarily used by gun rights advocates to emphasize their Second Amendment rights. But it’s also been used by pro-Trump groups who use it as a way to counter what they view as liberal elitism and political correctness.