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Gonzales County

Gonzales Hotels

Texas | Architecture | Museums

The Gonzales Memorial Museum
Gonzales, Texas

by Jack Teagarden

The Gonzales Memorial Museum
Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009

The Memorial was built for the Texas Centennial in 1836, and would make a matched set, if it were placed next to the San Jacinto Monument. Complete with its own reflecting pool and block accents of the same oolitic limestone, the structure resembles a modern dog-trot cabin, with the exhibits conveniently separated by gender appeal. On the right are MANLY things: arrowheads, fossils, frontier firearms, and captured weapons from the Two World Wars. Sometimes it makes one wonder if wars are fought just to fill our museums. The jewel in the crown of course, is the "Come and Take It" cannon. One can actually lay ones sweaty palms on it and can see that the muzzle is as large as a half-dollar. Also included is a replica, which only slightly resembles the real thing. There are three! German machine guns that Gonzalan Soldiers Came and Took, although it is doubtful the Germans issued an invitation, on a flag or otherwise. These resemble the ones Gary Cooper took out in Sergeant York.

Gonzales Texas museum interior showing "Come and Take It" cannon

The "Come And Take It" Cannon
in displayed in the museum
Photo courtesy Sarah Reveley, 2007

The Gonzales Memorial Museum
Photo courtesy Sarah Reveley, 2007

Gonzales Memorial Museum Monument
Photo courtesy Sarah Reveley, 2007

Gonzales Memorial Museum Historic Marker TX

Gonzales Memorial Museum and Amphitheatre historical marker
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009

Gonzales Memorial Museum and Amphitheatre
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009

The restrooms are clean and this is a good time to give a donation for the upkeep of the building. Donations can be placed in the ammunition box outside the restroom. Nothing makes one feel like one's participating as parting with a few dollars.

The other side has things that traditionally appeal more to women, although we put ourselves at risk, saying such things. China, glassware, old dresses modeled by circa 1975 mannequins, and baby clothes from the nineteenth century could well appeal to modern boys, but we doubt it. The air conditioning also works better on this side.
1936 style murals decorate both sides and show that this was once a library.

Make sure this is one of your stops. Tuesday through Saturday 10-12 and 1-5. Sundays 1-5.

Summer, 1999