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

Where It Happened

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025

1. Where It Happened Marker

Inscription. The first shots of the Texas Revolution happened not far from here. Drive down the small spur road behind the monument to see more of the battlefield. When you get to the small loop with the monument, you are at the Children's Monument, erected by the school children of Gonzales in 1903.

From the road between here and the Children's Monument, you can see the location of the initial three skirmishes of the Texas Revolution.

Captions
(Photo #1) This monument is just down the spur road behind the large monument where you are standing.

Erected by Gonzales County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Texas Independence. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 29° 26.331′ N, 97° 31.295′ W. Marker is in Gonzales, Texas, in Gonzales County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 97 and State Highway 95 Spur, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 97. 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); The Enduring Memory (here, next to this marker); The First Shot (here, next

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

to this marker); The Spirit of Independence (here, next to this marker); Site of the First Shot of the Texas Revolution (here, next to this marker); Texians at the Battle (a few steps from this marker); First Shot of the Texas Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Dikes Family Cemetery (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
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025

2. Where It Happened Marker
The marker is the 2nd marker on the right side.
27, 1835.

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

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 134 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.