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

The Spirit of Independence

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025

1. The Spirit of Independence Marker

Inscription. By any account, the skirmishes near this spot were not a clash of giant armies. Yet, they were extremely important to the history of Texas and the United States. They began the Texas Revolution, a conflict that would end in Texas becoming its own nation, and eventually joining the United States.

The shots fired near this spot were also symbolic. The failure of the Méxican army to "Come And Take It" gave Texas hope - hope that they could defeat a major army in battle. Just 202 days after the skirmishes at Gonzales, the Texians won at San Jacinto, and Texas was independent.

The actions at Gonzales also stand as a symbol of the Texan independent spirit to this day.

Captions
(Photo #1) A 1936 recreation shows what the battle might have looked like. Photo from the Schauer family collection.

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 1936.

Location. 29° 26.329′ 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: Texians at the Battle (here, next to this marker); The Enduring Memory (here, next to this marker); Shots in Time (here, next to this marker); Where It Happened (here, next to this marker); The First Shot (here, next to this marker); Site of the First Shot of the Texas Revolution (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 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
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, May 31, 2025

2. The Spirit of Independence Marker
The marker is the second marker from the left side
on September 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 99 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.