In 1835, Texas was part of Mexico. Many Texans were called Texians. The Texians were becoming unhappy with the Mexican government. Tensions were growing; people were beginning to wonder what would happen next. 

In the small town of Gonzales, one object would soon become an important symbol of resistance.

A few years earlier, the Mexican government had given the people of Gonzales a small cannon. The cannon was meant to help protect the town from Native American attacks. 

The people of Gonzales were grateful for the protection. But in 1835, the Mexican government wanted the cannon back.

Mexicans officials sent soldiers to Gonzales to retrieve the cannon. The people of Gonzales did not want to give it back.

Instead, they removed the cannon from its location and hid it. This situation became serious over time. 

The people of Gonzales buried the cannon in the ground so the Mexican soldiers could not find it. They knew that giving it back might be the safest choice. But the Texians also believed that they had a right to keep the weapon that had been given to them. The Mexican soldiers waited nearby.

News of the conflict reached Stephen F. Austin, an important Texas empresario and leader. Austin supported the people of Gonzales. He encouraged Texians to organize and prepare to defend themselves. Soon, volunteers began traveling toward Gonzales. 

The people of Gonzales dug up the cannon. They mounted the cannon on a wooden frame and prepared to defend their town. The Texians wanted something else too. Texians wanted a message that would show the Mexican soldiers they were not scared and were not afraid to fight.

One of the Texians created a simple white flag. In the center was a picture of the cannon. Underneath the cannon were four bold words. 

COME AND TAKE IT 

The message was clear: the people of Gonzales were daring the Mexican soldiers to try to take the cannon.

Texian Volunteers continued arriving in Gonzales. They were not a large, professional army. However, many were ordinary settlers who had decided to stand together. Among the volunteers was James Fannin, who later became an important figure in the Texas Revolution.