The Come and Take It Flag and the Battle of Gonzales

Whether you love it or hate it, The Come and Take It Flag and the Battle of Gonzales is an iconic symbol of Texas history that has stood the test of time for nearly 200 years. It’s a symbol of defiance against outside forces and an important part of Texas culture and identity. While some might see it as a call to violence and aggression, defenders argue that the phrase represents a principled stance of self-defense in the face of tyranny.

On October 2, 1835, a small town in what is now Texas found itself locked in a dramatic face-off with the power of Mexican military forces. At the heart of this standoff? A small bronze cannon. But what happened in Gonzales was about more than just a battle. It sparked a spirit of rebellion that would burn bright for centuries to come.

Remembering the Battle of Gonzales: The Come and Take It Flag and Its Legacy

When the Texians seized control of the cannon at the Battle of Gonzales, they sent a message to the Mexican army with a simple flag: “Come and Take It.” That one gesture spawned an enduring symbol of defiance against outside forces that has prevailed for 183 years.

Today, the image of a cannon and the words “Come and Take It” still stand tall on everything from bumper stickers to t-shirts to posters in shops across the state. But while many Texans associate the flag with their pride in the state’s unique heritage and rugged independence, others have a more troubling view of it as a coded message for racist and discriminatory views toward minority groups.