Gonzales City Cemetery
Gonzales, Gonzales County, Texas
Marker Inscription
By tradition, remains of early settlers buried at first in Cemetery Square, inner town of Gonzales, rest here in a common grave. Others buried here include key men in Texas Revolution, Dr. George W. Barnett, Maj. Valentine Barnett ( quartermaster ), and Matthew Caldwell.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This cemetery holds, by tradition, the reinterred remains of Gonzales's earliest settlers in a common grave, alongside figures central to the Texas Revolution. Among them are Dr. George W. Barnett, quartermaster Major Valentine Barnett, and Matthew Caldwell. Gonzales itself was the site of the revolution's opening skirmish over the "Come and Take It" cannon.
Why it matters
As a resting place for founders of the town where the Texas Revolution began, the cemetery anchors the memory of Texas's fight for independence.
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Related people
- · George W. Barnett
- · Valentine Barnett
- · Matthew Caldwell
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Masonic Cemetery
Gonzales, TX
The Gonzales Masonic Lodge No. 30 bought eleven acres here in 1849 for a cemetery, though two graves already predated the lodge's ownership. Buried among the grounds are veterans of the Texas Revolution—men like Andrew Ponton and Amasa Turner—along with three Texas Masonic grand masters and prominent local citizens. The lodge expanded the site in 1903.
Eli Mitchell
Gonzales, TX
Eli Mitchell was among the Anglo-American colonists drawn into the Texas independence movement in the 1830s, serving as a delegate to the 1833 Convention that pressed Mexico for reform. When fighting erupted at Gonzales in 1835 — the "come and take it" opening clash of the Texas Revolution — he took up arms and supplied the fledgling Texian army.
Amasa Turner
Gonzales, TX
This state monument honors Amasa Turner, who served as a private, officer, and recruiter in the Army of Texas during the revolution of 1835–36. Marked with the Lone Star and wreath, it was erected by the State of Texas in 1962 to commemorate his role in winning Texas independence.
Charles Mason
Gonzales, TX
This state marker honors Charles Mason, who took up arms in the Texas struggle for independence and fought both at Gonzales, where the revolt first flared, and at the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. Erected by the State of Texas in 1962, it is one of many grave markers placed to remember the volunteer soldiers of 1836. His service links a single citizen to the founding of the Texas Republic.