The History of the "Come and Take It" Flag

Symbols have a way of transcending time. Often, they become representations of resistance, freedom, and strength. The “Come and Take It” flag we know today originated during the Battle of Gonzales and continues to stand as a timeless symbol of rebellion. With its imagery of a cannon and star and the statement “Come and Take It”, this flag has evolved to capture the rebellious spirit of Texans who stood up against the authority of the Mexican government.

Beyond its significance, the flag has merged itself into modern culture. It has evolved into a symbol adopted by causes that draw inspiration from its defiance. While there are several interpretations, it’s essential to understand the flag’s historical roots first.

Greek Origins

Before it was “Come and Take It”, it was “Molon Labe”. Directly translated from Greek, molon labe means “come, take” and transformed into “come and take them/it” over the years. In ancient Greece, this saying was used by warriors defending their weapons. In fact, during the battle of Thermopylae (480 B.C.), Leonidas of Sparta first uttered the phrase after Persian King Xerxes commanded the Spartans to give up their weapons.

Texas History

The Battle of Gonzales was a pivotal moment in Texas history, marking the beginning of the Texas Revolution. On October 2, 1835, Gonzales, Texas witnessed an uprising that echoed through American history and left the legacy that is Texas’ notorious attitude against tyrannical forces.

The conflict came from Texan settlers, who resolved to fight for their independence from the Mexican government and its leader, Santa Anna. The catalyst for this confrontation was a seemingly ordinary object: a cannon. Previously, Green DeWitt requested a cannon from Ramón Músquiz, the political chief of Bexar, to protect Gonzales against Native American attacks. Músquiz provided it with one condition: the cannon must be returned at any time upon request. However, as events unfolded, this seemingly straightforward agreement became the epicenter of a fierce battle.

original come and take it flag — Though this isn’t the exact original, it’s a replica of the first “Come and Take It” flag made during the Texas Revolutionary War. [Photo credit: Daniel Mayer]

The bronze cannon took center stage during the confrontation. Texan settlers refused to return the cannon during the battle, further fueling the flames of defiance. Two young Texan women, Caroline Zumwalt and Eveline DeWitt, epitomized this spirit of rebellion with the flag we’ve come to know and love. A few days before the battle, they crafted the original flag from a wedding dress, featuring a simple cannon and a lone star above the phrase “Come and Take It”. Thus, the flag became an important symbol of Texan resistance.

As tensions rose, Mexican troops tried to reclaim the cannon. However, their efforts failed. The retreat of the Mexican troops marked a major moment for the Texan settlers and was the first victory of the revolution, setting precedence for the future.

The Symbolism of the “Come and Take It” Flag

The cannon on the flag directly represents the cannon used in the Battle of Gonzales. However, the cannon has much more meaning than just the weapon itself. It represents Texan strength, independence, and the fight for independence. In today’s world, the cannon represents weapons in general, or something to protect from being taken.

cannon on pedestal — The cannon was mounted on a rolling pedestal as pictured above and used throughout the battle of Gonzales. [Photo credit: unknown]

The star actually makes this the first Lone Star flag in Texas! The star originated from the nickname “Lone Star Republic” and led to its significance to the Texan identity. It represents not only independence from Mexico but also unity among Texans in the fight for that independence. Even today, the star holds its place on nearly every bit of Texan memorabilia including the Texas state flag.

The flag made several changes throughout the years such as colors, placement, and, at times, imagery. Regardless of the form, it likely holds the same ideals as the Texan rebels in one way or another.

Modern Interpretations of the “Come and Take It” Flag

come and take rifle flag — Some versions of the flag have the cannon replaced with another weapon or symbol. There are even parody versions with things like office supplies. [Photo credit: FLAGBURG]

In today’s world, the flag still has significance in Texas. Many Texans adorn the flag in remembrance of the history behind it in a sense of Texan pride more than anything. However, this flag has also been taken up by the military and gun world. The flag is heavily used to represent Second Amendment rights in line with its history of protecting weapons. Many modern versions of the flag depict a rifle instead of the cannon, which makes sense in the way it’s used today.

morale patch — Morale patches commonly have the original cannon and star or a rifle of some kind. This definitely has its place in the military, with this patch being one of the more popular options. [Photo credit: Rothco]

For the military, it can be used similarly, though it can also have a more general connotation. “It” can refer to just about anything with American troops as the saying and flag is used to boost morale and comradery. While the flag is occasionally flown, it’s commonly seen as a morale patch on troop’s vests and gear. At just about any shop selling patches, it’s easy to pick up one for yourself.

Controversy

The flag’s negative connotations with some groups are largely based on the idea that it’s a symbol of aggression. These negative beliefs are also expressed through perceived connection to Confederate symbols. Although this flag has no direct connection to the confederacy, some assume the worst when it’s used alongside such symbols. Most controversy comes from a place of misunderstanding or one bad egg ruining it for the rest of the group.

Anti-gunners may also take offense to this flag just like other symbols used by the gun world. Some claim its use about guns is a misrepresentation of its history. However, the opposite is easily argued. It is quite literally the defending of a weapon against a higher authority trying to take it away, which matches modern-day Second Amendment activists’ agenda and ideals.

Conclusion

come and take it flag and american flag — This flag has an important place in history as far back as ancient Greece. Even today, the legacy lives on in defending your weapons from an authority trying to take it. [Photo credit: Libertyflagpoles]

The tale behind the Gonzales “Come and Take It” flag isn’t just a dry historical account. It’s a powerful saga of rebellion and bravery from the Texas Revolution against the Mexican government and Santa Anna. At its core lies an ordinary object — a cannon — which, against all odds, transformed into an important symbol surviving in today’s world. Today, this flag symbolizes not just historical events, but the idea that individuals possess the power to resist, rise against injustice, and fiercely defend their beliefs. Amidst the many interpretations that surround this emblem of history, its true meaning comes from historical roots.