Born in Lumpkin County, Georgia, in 1830, William B. Fleming came to Texas before 1850 where he enlisted in Company C of the Texas Rangers Mounted Volunteers and later the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, Fleming moved to . . . — — Map (db m128145) HM
Established about 1850 by Miles G. Dikes (1804-1872). An original member of DeWitt Colony, Dikes emigrated from Georgia in 1829. In 1839 , married Eady Hodges (1810-1868). First known burial, in 1859, was Dikes' son, Lovic. Cemetery contains 20 . . . — — Map (db m128147) HM
One and one-half mile from
here the first shot of the
Texas Revolution
was fired from a small cannon
by Texans under the command
of Col. John H. Moore
October 2, 1835 — — Map (db m128146) HM
In the 1890s, children of families living in the Cost community, originally known as Oso, attended area schools that were part of the White School District No. 38 and County School District No. 38-1/2 to the east. By 1903, the county built the Cost . . . — — Map (db m128148) HM
Near here on October 2, 1835 was fired the first shot of the Texas Revolution of 1835-36 - the shot heard round the world. At Gonzales the Texans defied the Mexican government and refused their demand for the Gonzales cannon with the "Come and Take . . . — — Map (db m269132) HM
Settlers in the community of Sandies began to hold Methodist worship services in 1842. Sandies Chapel was chartered by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1857. Trustees were Newburn Guinn, David Barnes, E.R. Hurt, D.P. Briggs, and J.T. . . . — — Map (db m167460) HM
This cemetery first served as a burial ground for the family of Joseph and Catherine McCoy, pioneer settlers in the Green DeWitt Colony. It was later used by residents of the Sandies Chapel community. The earliest graves date from the 1860s. Among . . . — — Map (db m167462) HM
Sandies was settled in the 1830s by members of Green DeWitt's Colony. A church (1842), Masonic Lodge (1858), and school were established. Tom and Frank Dew opened their store and gin one mile from Sandies in 1886. A post office opened in 1894 at . . . — — Map (db m167461) HM
Captured German Krupp 105mm Cannon
Received by 2nd Lieutenant Whit M. DuBose of Company L, 141st Infantry Regiment of the 36th Division on April 21, 1926 where it stands today on the East Avenue in what was known as the Gonzales . . . — — Map (db m187532) HM
In Flanders Fields John McCrae, 1872-1918 In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. . . . — — Map (db m187566) HM
Site of the home to which two of the survivors of the Alamo returned, March 13, 1836. Susanna Dickinson, with her infant daughter, brought news of fall of Alamo into Mexican hands (March 6) and of the death of its heroic defenders from Gonzales, . . . — — Map (db m128171) HM
Gonzales College, established in March, 1851, was the first co-education institution of education in Texas west of the Brazos River. It was Gonzales' first permanent school building and opened on Monday, April 4, 1853. Records indicate that "the . . . — — Map (db m293167) HM
Born in Virginia to William and Isabella (Mooreland) Ponton, Andrew Ponton came to Texas in December 1829 and settled in Green DeWitt's Colony, receiving a land grant near Hallettsville. He became active in area politics, and in 1834 he was named . . . — — Map (db m36591) HM
On March 11, 1836, Sam Houston, leader of Texas Revolutionary Forces, arrived here to organize the second volunteer army.
On March 13, he heard of the massacre of Alamo defenders and that the Mexican army was advancing toward Gonzales. He . . . — — Map (db m128172) HM
This block of the inner town was designated in 1825 as a cemetery.
Traditionally the burial ground for Nicholas Peck, a soldier of San Jacinto; Daniel Davis, a soldier in Mier Expedition, and his wife, Elizabeth; along with other early-day . . . — — Map (db m179330) HM
Green DeWitt in 1825 appointed James Kerr to select and survey the capital for DeWitt's Mexican land grant colony. Kerr named the capital Gonzales for Don Rafael Gonzales, Governor of Coahuila and Texas.
This was central square in 49-block . . . — — Map (db m128166) HM
Contractor William H. Kishbaugh built this house in 1892 for Charles T. Rather (1855-1931), a leader in the booming Gonzales cotton industry. When the Rather family moved to Austin in 1910, the property was bought by farmer T.B. Fussell. His heirs . . . — — Map (db m293158) HM
This block of the inner town of Gonzales was set aside in original plans of surveyor James Kerr for religious uses. Kerr's plans were approved by Don Rafael Gonzales the Provisional Governor of Coahuila and Texas. This block is still used for . . . — — Map (db m128168) HM
On July 18, 1917 the volunteer company to be known as company L of the First Texas Infantry was mustered into service at Gonzales. Quartered in Gonzales, the men drilled daily on Gonzales High School grounds until their departure for Camp Bowie . . . — — Map (db m187534) HM
July 21, 1909 the cornerstone of the Gonzales Confederate Monument was completed and dedicated. Inside the cornerstone was placed a tin box that included a copy of a Special Edition of the Gonzales Inquirer newspaper, rosters of the Confederate . . . — — Map (db m293163) HM
Progressive patriot and citizen soldier in Texas War for Independence. A member of Green DeWitt's colony. Came to Texas with his family, 1830. Served as a guard for women and children fleeing Gonzales before the approach of Santa Anna, 1836. Is . . . — — Map (db m187579) HM
Born in South Carolina December 12, 1793 Killed by Indians October 8, 1848 Served in the Army of Texas, 1835-36 Signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, 36 Member of the Senate of the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Congresses . . . — — Map (db m239507) HM
John Turner Tinsley was born circa 1802 in Sumner County, Tennessee to Moses and Elizabeth (Turner) Tinsley. He later became a physician and married Nancy Willis of Kentucky, with whom he had five children. The family came to Gonzales in 1834 and . . . — — Map (db m187444) HM
Born February 7, 1797
He served Texas and the men who
Fought for her Independence at the
Siege of Bexar and the San Jacinto
Campaign 1836 - 1836
Died February 2, 1872 — — Map (db m187436) HM
Started about 1834 by Benjamin Duncan (1793-1866), a Scotsman. According to tradition, Susanna Dickinson, the widow of Almaron Dickinson, stopped first at Duncan's home on her way to tell people of Gonzales of fall of the Alamo. She was one of few . . . — — Map (db m294466) HM
Found in the 1850s during Texas' early statehood, this burial ground served the Ebenezer community and southern Gonzales County. Ebenezer Church, built by Baptists and later serving a Methodist congregation, was located near the cemetery entrance . . . — — Map (db m293191) HM
Following early missionary efforts in the Gonzales area, the Episcopal Church of the Messiah was established in 1855. Land at this site was granted by city officials, and construction of the Gothic Revival sanctuary was completed in 1881. The . . . — — Map (db m179331) HM
Pioneer Texas Baptist minister Z. N. Morrell organized the first Baptist congregation in Gonzales in 1841. It disbanded after about four years, but by 1847 a new congregation, led by the Rev. Richard Ellis and nine charter members, had taken its . . . — — Map (db m307240) HM
Circuit-riding Methodist preachers conducted worship services in this area as early as 1824. In 1841 the Rev. J. P. Sneed organized a Methodist church here as part of his circuit, which included Victoria, Port Lavaca, and Seguin. By 1843 the . . . — — Map (db m123645) HM
Named for Confederate General Thomas N. Waul, Fort Waul was built to defend inland Texas from possible Federal advances up the Guadalupe River from the Gulf of Mexico, as well as to provide protection for military supply trains. Construction of the . . . — — Map (db m155559) HM
"Fort Waul is the only known earthen embankment fort of its type built and authorized by the Confederate States of America west of the Mississippi River." (Fort Waul: Dorcas Huff Baumgartner, Gonzales Co. Historian)
The Fort Waul historic . . . — — Map (db m293165) HM
Edwards High School was shuttered in 1965. Jesse A. Smith, along with Frank R. Fryer, Sr. and Clara B. Mathis Fryer, transferred to Gonzales High School Campus.
Jesse Smith is one of the greatest men we shall ever know. We have felt his . . . — — Map (db m187594) HM
Being the western most point of Anglo-American settlement and the closest town to San Antonio de Bexar, Gonzales was the center of the Texas revolutionary activity. In July 1826 the original settlement was abandoned after two Indian attacks but was . . . — — Map (db m290095) HM
On this site
September 29, 1835
the Mexican government troops
demanded the return of
the Gonzales cannon.
After two days delay,
awaiting recruits, the colonists
answered, "Come and Take It." — — Map (db m128151) HM
On this site
September 29, 1835
the Gonzales cannon was buried
from the 150 Mexican Dragoons
sent to demand it.
Two days later it was mounted
on ox-cart wheels, loaded with
chains and scrap iron, and fired
at the Mexican Army, the . . . — — Map (db m128170) HM
By tradition, remains of early settlers buried at first in cemetery square, inner town of Gonzales, rest here in a common grave. Others buried here include lay men in Texas Revolution, Dr. George W. Barnett, Maj. Valentine Bennet (Quartermaster), . . . — — Map (db m187460) HM
In county organized 1837, first courthouse burned 1893. This second one was built 1894-1896 at cost of $64,450.
Headquarters for many Texas leaders; scene of
important court decisions. — — Map (db m123635) HM
Those Who Served That Others Might Live in Freedom Let Those Who Come After See to It That Their Names Be Not Forgotten
"Come and Take It"
War of 1812
Smith, William D.
Texas Revolution 1836 Davis, Jesse Kancheloe . . . — — Map (db m187348) WM
One of nine State Archeological Landmarks built in 1936-37 Celebrating the Texas Centennial Designed by architects Phelps and Dewees, this monumental complexwas dedicated October 30, 1937. "The Old Eighteen" tablet honoring settlers credited . . . — — Map (db m293156) HM
The commission created by the Texas Legislature in 1935 to oversee Texas' centennial joined with the Public Works Administration to build a memorial to Texas Revolution events in Gonzales. The memorial includes a museum, amphitheatre and . . . — — Map (db m128176) HM
John Bell Hood's Texas Brigade
Texas Infantry Regiments 1st, 4th and 5th, totaling 4,500 men were the only Texas Troops to fight under General Robert E. Lee in the Army of Northern Virginia.
Hardeman's Rifles
4th Texas Infantry, Co. . . . — — Map (db m293166) HM
Green (1787-1835) and Sarah (Seely) (1789-1854) Dewitt moved their family from Missouri to Texas in 1826 after he successfully petitioned the Mexican government for an Empresario Grant to settle 400 Anglo-Americans on lands southwest of Stephen F. . . . — — Map (db m128149) HM
Providence Baptist Church Founded 1874 1020 St. Andrew St.
Henson Chapel United Methodist Church Founded 1882 1107 St. Andrew St.
Union Lea
Missionary Baptist Church Founded 1908 931 St. Andrew St.
Webster Chapel A.M.E. . . . — — Map (db m187616) HM
A native of Gonzales County, Dr. George Holmes (1881-1948) began practicing medicine in Gonzales in 1915. His dream of a fully equipped hospital for the county seat was realized with the completion of this hospital building in 1921. Constructed by . . . — — Map (db m293153) HM
Who Went Forth at the Call of Their Country to Fight in the Great War for World - Wide Liberty, 1917 - 1919 and
In Memory of
These Men Who Gave Their Lives to This Great Cause
Montgomery Fly
First Lieutenant Infantry . . . — — Map (db m187404) HM
Alcalde Author of the historic Letter written on Sept. 26, 1835, in reply to Mexico's demand for the colonists cannon at Gonzales. One of the defenders of Gonzales October 2, 1835 — — Map (db m239508) HM
This three-story prairie style home featuring pedimented front entry and octagonal shed dormer was the brainchild of Joseph Henry (1851-1911) and Emily Jimmie Lea (1853-1930) Boothe. Born in North Carolina, J.H. Boothe moved to Gonzales in the . . . — — Map (db m293051) HM
J.W Bailey (1825-1899) built this home in 1897-98 as a residence for his wife Nannie C. Green (1851-1936) and family. Inherited by their daughter Indian Bailey Kerr and her husband John A. Kerr in 1936, the house remained in the family until 1948. . . . — — Map (db m293052) HM
First mapped in 1825 as "Market Square," but had become "Jail Square" prior to 1836 when Gonzales was burned by order of Gen. Sam Houston to prevent buildings and supplies falling into possession of oncoming enemy, Gen. Santa Anna. — — Map (db m128167) HM
James Hodges, Sr., came to Gonzales in April 1835. Soon after his arrival he purchased four leagues (17,721 acres) of land at the forks of San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers for $3,000 in silver. On September 26, 1835, in an election, held . . . — — Map (db m155555) HM
First Lieutenant Governor of Texas James W. Robinson (1800-1857) Born in Indiana. Came to Texas in 1833. Elected lieutenant governor in November, 1835, Served as governor January to March 1836, then fought as a private in the Battle of San Jacinto . . . — — Map (db m123611) HM
A San Jacinto Veteran Born in Alabama, January 11, 1802 Died December 28, 1869 His Wife Eliza Davis Born in Alabama, May 12, 1819 Died January 11, 1875 — — Map (db m239509) HM
Constructed about 1857 from Indianola lumber. Served as residence, school teachers boarding house and barrel shop. Here Fauth fashioned fine furniture from native walnut.
In his barrels Fauth shipped cane syrup and tabasco peppers from JB Wells' . . . — — Map (db m293082) HM
All Slaves Are Free!
Galveston Texas: Ashton Villa June 19, 1865
Two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's historic Emancipation Proclamation, U. S. Major General Gordon Granger took command of the District of Texas . . . — — Map (db m187621) HM
Commissioned to found a capital for colony of Green DeWitt, ex-Missouri State Senator James Kerr settled here. He and six other men built homes on this stream - known ever since as Kerr's Creek.
After a destructive Indian raid in 1826, the . . . — — Map (db m187581) HM
In April 1825, Green DeWitt acquired a land grant from the Republic of Mexico to settle 400 families in and around the present location of Gonzales. He recruited ex-Missouri state senator James Kerr as his surveyor general to establish a capital . . . — — Map (db m179326) HM
Located on a hill overlooking King
Flats on the Guadalupe River, this
cemetery has served the area since the
1830s. John Gladden King, a member of
the council of government of the
DeWitt colony, and his wife, Parmelia,
settled on this land in . . . — — Map (db m294470) HM
First mapped in 1825 as "Jail Square," but became Market Square prior to 1836, and has served this purpose ever since; while that block, first mapped as "Market Square," became "Jail Square." The squares of Gonzales.
Recorded Texas Historic . . . — — Map (db m294469) HM
The Gonzales Masonic Lodge No. 30 A.F. & A.M., chartered January 1847, purchased 11 acres here for use as a cemetery in 1849, adding to the property in 1903. Two graves, those of Calligula Walker (d. 1846) and Allen Walker (d. 1848), predate the . . . — — Map (db m187399) HM
Born in Kentucky in 1798 Died at Gonzales Dec. 28, 1842 Signer of the Tex. Declaration of Independence; Served in the Army in 1836; Appointed Captain of Rangers January 15, 1839; Participated in the Battle of Plum Creek August 12,1840; . . . — — Map (db m187461) HM
To comply with wishes of governor of Coahuila and Texas, the 1825 plans for Gonzales followed usual plans for Spanish towns. Surveyed by James Kerr, agent for colony's contractor, Green DeWitt, and Kerr's assistant, Byrd Lockhart. This was named . . . — — Map (db m123661) HM
In October 1913, Gonzales County commissioners contracted with A. A. Alsbury & Company to construct a bridge over the Guadalupe River. Completed by February 1914, it connected the rural communities of Oak Forest and Monthalia, both established in . . . — — Map (db m187574) HM
Gonzales town tract of 4 square leagues had 49 squares in inner city - 7 of these squares for public use. This one was for municipal buildings, but became plaza.
Now called Texas Heroes Square, in honor of all Gonzales men who fought in the . . . — — Map (db m128169) HM
Built about 1907 as the home of Julius Frederick Remschel and his wife Luella (McLeod), this house was constructed by local builder Fred Meisenhelder. Remschel was the son of Julius H. H. Remschel, a German immigrant who founded the Remschel . . . — — Map (db m293161) HM
After opening in 1914, the Water Street Mexican School, later named Riverside School, was the only facility available for Mexican American students in Gonzales. The one-story brick schoolhouse originally housed six grades, and there were additions . . . — — Map (db m245453) HM
Stricken with news of the fall of the Alamo and threatened by a massive Mexican army, Sam Houston gathered the nucleus of a Texan army here, issued orders to burn this town (to hinder the Mexicans) and marched east, March 13, 1836. He won Victory . . . — — Map (db m128177) HM
1/8 mile north is
Sam Houston Oak
where General Sam Houston
established his headquarters camp
March 13, 1836
after burning the town of Gonzales
Under this oak his
small army was joined by
many volunteers from the
eastern . . . — — Map (db m128178) HM
Extending from this point
one-quarter mile west is
Santa Anna Mound
formerly De Witt Mound
now site De Witt Family Cemetery.
Here Mexican troops camped
between September 29 and
October 1, 1835, awaiting delivery
of the Gonzales . . . — — Map (db m128152) HM
Sarah Ann Ponton, the youngest child of William Ponton and Isabella (Mooreland) Ponton, was born September 16, 1820 in Boonville, Cooper County, Missouri. She migrated to Texas with her parents in 1829. After her father's massacre by Indians in . . . — — Map (db m158403) HM
Who with her daughter
Evaline
made the first battle flag of Texas
used by the colonists in the
Battle of Gonzales, October 2, 1835
Born in Virginia, 1789
came to Texas in 1826
with her husband
Green De Witt, Empresario,
and their . . . — — Map (db m128150) HM
Texas schools officially included Blacks in 1868, but provided no funds to build segregated schools. Classes met outdoors, in homes, churches or other buildings. Mrs. Myrtle Moses Mathis' home was the first Black neighborhood school in Gonzales . . . — — Map (db m187606) HM
In 1835, settlers in the Mexican state of Tejas were on the brink of war. The military commander at San Antonio asked for a return of a bronze cannon. The town refused, and soldiers were sent to take it back. On the morning of October 2nd, Texian . . . — — Map (db m280756) HM
An Indian raid July 2, 1826, left one Gonzales settler dead, another shot, homes plundered. Settlers fled to Burnham Station on the Colorado, or moved to Lavaca River. In 1827 DeWitt's colonists were ordered back here.
On this lot they built . . . — — Map (db m128173) HM
Around the time of Emancipation, African Americans made up 30% of the total population of Gonzales County. Legend says the plantation owners came together to give five acres of land for a community of their newly freed slaves. Part of these five . . . — — Map (db m293190) HM
This bridge is a 140 foot long Parker Through Truss and was constructed in 1913 by Gonzales County and A.A. Alsbury and Co., contractors. It originally spanned the Guadalupe River and was located just west of the 19th century community of Oak . . . — — Map (db m187577) HM
Only eighteen men remained in Gonzales September 25, 1835 when Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea sent 4 soldiers to return the "Gonzales" Cannon to San Antonio de Bexar. Andrew Ponton, Alcalde (mayor) of Gonzales, politely stalled for time, and by . . . — — Map (db m280763) HM
The Eggleston House was one of the first houses built in Gonzales after the Runaway Scrape and burning of the town in 1836. Horace Eggleston built this house in 1848 and it was one of the first permanent type in Gonzales. The house . . . — — Map (db m155582) HM
The opening shots of the Revolution have never been far from Texans' minds. In 1903, a monument was erected near the site of the actual first shot. This monument still stands just down this side road.
In 1935, the State of Texas commissioned . . . — — Map (db m280760) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m280745) HM
In Memory of the Immortal 32 Gonzales men and boys who, on March 1, 1836 fought their way into the beleaguered Alamo to die with Colonel William B. Travis for the Liberty of Texas. They were the last and only reinforcements to arrive in answer to . . . — — Map (db m128175) HM
On this site,
September 29, 1835
began the strategy of
the 18 Texians who by advising
with Alcalde Andrew Ponton, held
for two days 150 Mexican dragoons
sent to demand the Gonzales cannon,
allowing colonists time to mass
recruits for . . . — — Map (db m123671) HM
Center hall, 2 double fireplaces, wide board pine floors. Built 1883 for his bride, Mary Fleda Boothe, by Carey J. Pilgrim, editor "Gonzales Inquirer," son of T. J. Pilgrim, founder first Sunday School in Texas. Recorded . . . — — Map (db m293050) HM
On February 29, 1852, the Presbyterian Church of Gonzales was constituted with eight charter members, led by the Rev. Joel T. Case. The Rev. John McRae served as the first permanent pastor and the congregation held worship services once a month in . . . — — Map (db m123660) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m280762) HM
From its earliest days, education for Mexican-Americans in Texas has varied from none at all, to education for all. In circa 1914, the Water-Street School sometimes referred to as the 'Water-Street Mexican School,' was built to serve the . . . — — Map (db m292915) HM
Federal period ranch home of 15 rooms. Built in 1885 of long leaf pine lumber brought by Gulf steamers from Florida. Hauled from Indianola by oxcarts. Furnished in Guadalupe River Valley walnut pieces hand-crafted in Republic of Texas. Home . . . — — Map (db m293137) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m280757) HM
