Monday, 16 February 2026

Gonzales ＂Come And Take It＂ Festival October 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2015 [4Rt0xlC1Jag]

The first shots of the Texas Revolution echo through modern Gonzales as the community rallies to preserve the legendary cannon that defined a movement.

Texas Revolution Gonzales Cannon Russell Wowell Texas History Come and Take It

By Mike Hanson Archives | 4m listen | 2 chapters

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Gonzales ＂Come And Take It＂ Festival October 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2015 [4Rt0xlC1Jag] cover

About this episode

The Texas Revolution ignited in Gonzales when defiant settlers refused to return a small cannon to the Mexican Army, sparking the first shots of the war for independence. Russell Wowell reports on the historic Come and Take It cannon, which serves as the centerpiece for the annual festival held every October. The city of Gonzales is currently spearheading a major fundraising campaign to restore the local monument and museum before the 175th anniversary of the battle on October 5th.

Local organizers and historians emphasize the cannon's role as a permanent symbol of Texan resistance against centralist authority. The upcoming three-day celebration on October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th features historical reenactments and community gatherings centered around the original 1835 skirmish site. Beyond the military history, the event integrates regional traditions including a vocal performance of The Eyes of Texas, the alma mater of the University of Texas at Austin. This anthem reinforces the cultural theme of constant observation and state pride that defines the region's identity.

Russell Wowell captures the atmosphere of the town square as residents prepare for the influx of visitors. The recording features the haunting lyrics of the University of Texas alma mater delivered with traditional solemnity. This segment highlights the intersection of revolutionary history and modern collegiate tradition in the heart of the Lone Star State.

CHAPTER 01 / 2 Discussion

Eyes of Texas Traditional Anthem Performance

The segment features a vocal performance of "The Eyes of Texas," the traditional alma mater of the University of Texas at Austin. The lyrics emphasize themes of constant observation and the inability to escape the state's watchful gaze.

eyes of texas· anthem· texas tradition· folk song· performance

00:02 Eyes of Texas are upon you. You cannot get away. Do not think you can escape. The light of early in the morning. Eyes of Texas are upon you. The game ground is cold.

CHAPTER 02 / 2 Discussion

Battle of Gonzales and the Come and Take It Cannon

The Texas Revolution began in Gonzales when settlers refused to return a small cannon to the Mexican Army, leading to the first shots of the war for independence. Russell Wowell reports on the historic "Come and Take It" cannon, which remains on display as a symbol of defiance. The city of Gonzales is currently raising funds to restore the local monument and museum ahead of the 175th anniversary of the battle on October 5th.

gonzales· republic of texas· mexican army· come and take it· texas independence

00:50 It started with a small cannon and the desire to be free. The war that eventually created the Republic of Texas was set in motion about an hour south of Austin, and in his search for all things uniquely Texas, Newshead's Russell Wowell takes us where the fight for Texas independence began. Texas history is about people who persevered People who were determined, who fought all odds. In Texas history few places and events hold the significance of what happened in Gonzales We fired the first shots against the Mexican Army in Texas here in Gonzalez we think that was one more significant event ever in the history this country certainly in the history of Texas With that shot they started

01:39 a piece of history that changed basically the world, for sure United States and absolutely changed Texas forever. The Mexican army wanted to take back a cannon they placed in the city. The early Texans had a simple response come and take it at that point refused to give up the Logan And that led to the firing of the first shots. For Texas independence, the first shots included one believed to have been fired from this cannon now immortalized on the flag were so lucky to have the real gun here. The historic canon is on display so that visitors young and old can appreciate the results of that act of defiance to help keep Texas history alive

02:30 the ability to be so close that's so terribly import telling what texas would United States would look perhaps the entire world nearly 175 years later, October 5th will mark the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Gonzales. The city's raising money to restore and improve the monument and museum.

03:44 so

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Gonzales ＂Come And Take It＂ Festival October 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2015 [4Rt0xlC1Jag]

About this episode

Eyes of Texas Traditional Anthem Performance

Battle of Gonzales and the Come and Take It Cannon