New banner promotes Gonzales attractions

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One new attraction at the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is a mural banner that makes a perfect spot for visitors during Come and Take It to come and take a photo in the town known as the Lexington of Texas — home of the “First Shot” of the Texas Revolution.

“This ‘mural’ type banner was months in the making and we are so glad to have it!” said Mural Committee chair Suzanne Sexton. “The CVB board approved monies in April to welcome tourists to Gonzales and the Visitors Center via the banner to be hung at the Chamber of Commerce.”

Members of the CVB board, led by Sexton, collaborated in the design and locations to highlight in each letter, while Mary Scheske used her design talents to pull the vision together.

“The CVB board is thankful for the opportunity to give tourists and locals another place to take a photo by in downtown Gonzales!” Sexton said. “More downtown murals are envisioned by the board for future painting on buildings in Gonzales!”

Each of the letters for the word “Gonzales” includes a photo of a local attraction to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. They include:

• G — At the Eggleston House, 1303 Saint Louis, visitors are encouraged to step onto the porch and into the past. Use the speaker box for a self-guided tour of two rooms, and visit the nearby Children’s Garden.

• O — The Sam Houston Oak, County Road 361, shades a wide area in front of the Branches House, built in the 1840’s. Here, General Sam Houston received the news that the Alamo had fallen – and the defenders killed. Ask about tours of the historic Branches home!

• N — The “Come and Take It” mosaic outside of the Gonzales Municipal Building, 820 Saint Joseph St., was done in 1959 by Bert Rees of Austin. This is a very popular photo opportunity in the city.

• Z — The Gonzales Courthouse, 414 Saint Joseph, a Texas Historic Landmark, was designed by J. Riely Gordon with red brick and a white limestone trim in the n Romanesque Revival style. It features a clock tower and cost of a visit is free.

• A — On the Saturday of Come & Take It (First full weekend in October), volunteers reenact the Battle of Gonzales at Pioneer Village Living History Center, 2122 N. Saint Joseph St.

• L — Bring your canoe to the Come & Take It Trail (a scenic 11 mile trail) and the Independence Paddling Trail (a 2.6 mile loop), 1920 Saint Joseph St. Contact Parks and Recreation for latest on conditions and maps.

• E — In the Battle of Gonzales, the first land battle of the Texas Revolution against Mexico, a small group of Texans successfully resisted the Mexican forces who had orders from Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea to seize their cannon. We recognize this every year at the Come & Take It Celebration. 

• S — The Gonzales Memorial Museum & Amphitheatre, 414 Smith St., is home to the Come & Take It cannon, and honors the Immortal 32. The museum features a reflecting pool, glass displays remembering early Gonzales life. 

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