Come And Take It Letterbox

Come And Take It Flag

Placed By: Silver Eagle
Date: 12/30/02
Nearest Town: Gonzales, Tx.
County: Gonzales
Terrain Difficulty: Easy (flat, 20 yards RT)
Status: retired (01/15/09)

In 1835 unrest developed among the colonists in Texas because of the over-bearing attitude of the Mexican government. A small brass cannon had been given to Gonzales in 1831 as protection against Indians, so San Antonio officials sent Castaneda and 150 mounted soldiers to take back the weapon. Sarah Seely and Evaline DeWitt quickly fashioned Texas' first battle flag and the cannon was unearthed from the peach orchard of George W. Davis. When early morning fog lifted on October 2, 1835, the Mexicans found themselves confronted by a force of Texans (the "Old Eighteen") and the cannon, over which proudly waved the flag with the flaunting words "Come And Take It". Upon the first shot, the Mexican forces broke ranks and fled in terror, leaving one dead on the battlefield. The first shot for Texas Independence had been fired and the first battle won, thus making Gonzales the "Lexington Of Texas". The city of Gonzales contains several monuments to the men and events of the battle along with the Gonzales Memorial Museum which houses the famous cannon and many historical artifacts. It is free and open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am - noon, 1:00pm - 5:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Though not as well known as the Alamo or San Jacinto, Gonzales holds a significant place in Texas history and is well worth a visit.

Directions:

Gonzales is about 130 miles west of Houston and may be reached by traveling west on I-10 to exit #649. Go south on TX 97 for 16 miles where it becomes St. Lawrence Street. The museum is located on the left at 414 Smith Street, approximately 10 blocks east of US Hwy 183.

Clues:

Go inside the Gonzales Memorial Museum to see the cannon and artifacts. As you come out the front entrance facing the reflection pool, turn to the right (north) and go down the steps to the hedge. The right hand-rail points to the box hidden within the bush about 2 feet away from the edge of the building. It is in the branches and covered by dead twigs. Please be discreet since this is in plain view of visitors and replace as found with dead twigs to keep it well hidden from hedge-trimmers.

NOTE: Always take adequate precautions (such as prodding with a stick and/or wearing gloves) before reaching into dark crevasses and holes in the wild. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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Last updated on 01/20/2009

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