Historic Gonzales, Texas

The population in Gonzales Texas is approximately 7200 and growing. Gonzales it the closest town to San Antonio, Texas. It was the center of much of the Texas revolutionary activity. On October 2, 1835, Texans resisted Mexican dragoons sent to retrieve the town cannon. Challenging the Mexicans to "come and take it," the Texans rallied around the gun and fought the battle of Gonzales, the first skirmish of the Texas Revolution.

Gonzales Memorial Museum and Amphitheatre was built in 1936-1937 as a Texas Centennial project, and is owned by the city of Gonzales, and sponsored by the Thomas Shelton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Historical artifacts, including the "Come and Take It" cannon are included as exhibits of the museum.

The building is made of Texas shell stone trimmed in Cordova cream limestone. The building contains two wings divided by a large rotunda, which serves as the entrance. The back wall of the amphitheatre, which can seat 500, features a beautiful marble memorial mural honoring the eighteen men who defended Gonzales in 1835.

The Eggleston Log House, now under the custodianship of the Gonzales Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, was built in the 1840's by Horace Eggleston. Logs were hand-hewn and notched in half dove-tail fashion.

Visitors are encouraged to step onto the porch of the house and activate the speaker box, which provides a description of the building and two illuminated rooms.

The "Immortal Thirty-two" monument was constructed of a shaft of axed Texas pink granite, 8' 10" in height, tapering from 5' 6" at the base to 3' 8" at the top, and 1' 4" thick, standing on a 3" base. The bronze sculpture on the front tells the story of the 32 men who answered Travis' call at the Alamo.

There is no admission fee to the Gonzales Memorial Museum and Eggleston House, but contributions are encouraged. Contributions can be made to the Gonzales Memorial Museum, PO Box 547, Gonzales, TX 78629.

For tours and additional information, contact the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture (830) 672-6532, or email information to info@gonzalestexas.com. For ADA accessibility, a ramp is provided between the south wing of the Memorial Museum and the Amphitheater. To arrange in advance for assistance or more information, please call (830) 672-6350 or email any questions to: museum@cityofgonzales.org.info@gonzalestexas.com. For ADA accessibility, a ramp is provided between the south wing of the Memorial Museum and the Amphitheater. To arrange in advance for assistance or more information, please call (830) 672-6350 or email any questions to: museum@cityofgonzales.org.