Near Gonzales in Gonzales County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The First Shot

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025

1. The First Shot Marker

Inscription. The Texas Revolution began not far from this spot. In October of 1835, the Mexican government attempted to take back a small cannon from Texan colonists. The Texans resisted, kicking off the Texas Revolution and changing the course of American history.

A century after the end of the revolution, the State of Texas dedicated this marker in 1937 to mark the location.

Captions
(Photo #1) A replica of the Gonzales cannon "first shot" celebrates the Texas centennial in 1936.

Erected by Gonzales County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1835.

Location. 29° 26.327′ N, 97° 31.295′ W. Marker is near Gonzales, Texas, in Gonzales County. It is on State Highway 97 near State Highway 95 Spur, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4049 TX-97, Cost TX 78614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Hill Country.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shots in Time (here, next to this marker); First Shot of the Texas Revolution (here, next to this marker); Where It Happened (here, next to this marker); Texians at the Battle (here, next to this

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marker); The Spirit of Independence (here, next to this marker); The Enduring Memory (a few steps from this marker); Site of the First Shot of the Texas Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Site of Cost School (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gonzales.

Also see . . . The Battle of Gonzales: A Turning Point in Texas History. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

When Domingo de Ugartechea , military commander in Texas, received word that the American colonists of Gonzales refused to surrender a small cannon that had been given that settlement in 1831 as a defense against the Indians, he dispatched Francisco de Castañeda and 100 dragoons to retrieve it. Ugartechea realized that, given the tensions between the Texans and Antonio López de Santa Anna 's Centralist government, the slightest provocation might ignite hostilities. He therefore instructed Castañeda to use force if necessary but to avoid open conflict if possible. The company rode out of San Antonio de Béxar on September 27, 1835.

(Submitted on August 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025

2. The First Shot Marker

The marker is located on the right side just off camera (first marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.