Museums #1 in Gonzales, Texas

Gonzales Memorial Museum

4.6 · 572 reviews
Quiet, educational, and steeped in regional history.
Gonzales Memorial Museum, 414 Smith St, Gonzales, TX 78629
Interesting facts
1

The museum houses the actual 'Come and Take It' cannon, a six-pounder iron cannon that became a symbol of Texas defiance.

2

The building was constructed specifically to commemorate the 1936 Texas Centennial, marking 100 years of independence.

3

The museum grounds contain the Eggleston House, a dog-run style log cabin built in 1840, relocated to the site to preserve early pioneer architecture.

4

The collection includes rare artifacts from the Battle of Gonzales, the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution.

Overview

The Gonzales Memorial Museum commemorates the 'Come and Take It' cannon incident, which served as the flashpoint for the Texas Revolution in 1835. Located in a historic building constructed as a Centennial project in 1936, the museum preserves the original brass cannon used during the Battle of Gonzales. The exhibits feature extensive collections of Texian and Tejano history, focusing on the town’s role in Texas independence. The facility is situated within the grounds of Confederate Square, a park dedicated to regional history. Visitors can examine primary source documents, battle artifacts, and relics from the Republic of Texas era. The architecture reflects the Art Deco design trends prevalent during the Texas Centennial celebrations.

Photo spot

In front of the 'Come and Take It' cannon display or the historic log cabin located on the museum grounds.

Insider tips

Walk through the surrounding park to view the historic monuments and the preserved 19th-century log cabin.

Check the official city website before visiting for information regarding rotating local historical exhibits.

Combine your visit with a walking tour of the nearby historic Gonzales downtown district.

What to avoid

Do not overlook the outdoor historical structures like the Eggleston House, as many visitors focus only on the main museum building.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major holidays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a historical preservation site.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Spring or autumn mornings to comfortably enjoy both the indoor museum exhibits and the outdoor park structures.
Address
Gonzales Memorial Museum, 414 Smith St, Gonzales, TX 78629
29.504, -97.443
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsThe original 'Come and Take It' cannon, Texas Revolution artifacts, and the 1840 Eggleston House.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring or autumn mornings to comfortably enjoy both the indoor museum exhibits and the outdoor park structures..

In front of the 'Come and Take It' cannon display or the historic log cabin located on the museum grounds.

Close by you'll find Palmetto State Park, Historical Marker, 1903 First Shot Monument.