Gonzales in Gonzales County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Enduring Memory
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025
1. The Enduring Memory Marker
In 1935, the State of Texas commissioned the large monument at this site. It was completed in 1936, the year Texas celebrated its centennial. The first shots of the Revolution are still important to Texans and to Gonzales County, and there is an annual celebration of the Revolution and those fateful shots.
This historic postcard shows the 1903 monument, the "Minuteman of Gonzales" monument in the city of Gonzales, and a drawing of the Gonzales cannon. It draws a direct comparison between the Texas Revolution and the American.
Captions
(Photo #1) Postcard from the Gonzales County Archives.
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° 31.299′ 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.
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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: The Spirit of Independence (here, next to this marker); Where It Happened (here, next to this marker); Shots in Time (here, next to this marker); Texians at the Battle (here, next to this marker); Site of the First Shot of the Texas Revolution (a few steps from this marker); The First Shot (a few steps from this marker); 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 Castaρeda and 100 dragoons to retrieve it. Ugartechea realized that, given the tensions between the Texans and Antonio Lσpez de Santa Anna 's Centralist government, the slightest provocation might ignite hostilities. He therefore instructed Castaρeda to use force if necessary but to avoid open conflict if possible. The company rode out of San Antonio(Submitted on August 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)de Bιxar on September 27, 1835.Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 20252. The Enduring Memory MarkerThe marker is the third from the left side.
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 92 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
