Our final stop on the grand historical loop of south central Texas was at Palmetto State Park near Gonzales, Texas. It is unique that here, over 200 miles west of the Big Thicket, you find yourself surrounded by thick groves of Palmettos in a rich tropical environment atypical of the central Texas area. The ubiquitous CCC built here another marvelous lasting monument as a testimony to their amazing efforts in adorning America with beautifully functional facilities across the fruited plains. The water tower and refectory are marvelous examples of the CCC magic at work causing the appearance of structures rising out of their natural surroundings. Indeed, the ram-jet design of the water tower’s pump using the natural artesian water springs to feed the park’s lush tropical landscape is a wonder still working today with no power or moving parts!
CCC water tower
Kiki, Tom and Lucy check out the water flowing out of the ram-jet pump on the side of the water tower.
One of the artesian natural springs that feed the flora, fauna, creeks, swamps, and natural lakes in the park.
The cathedral-like interior of the refectory.
The beautiful blossom of the Red Buckeye awaits the coming arrival of the first hummingbirds in the next few weeks.
Later, leaving Lucy and Kiki alone so they could dive into peace and serenity, Tom and I took the short drive to Gonzales, Texas where the first shots were fired in the war of Texas Independence from a brutal dictatorship of Mexico on October 2, 1835. It was here that the laconic reply of the preening Greek commander King Leonides I to Xerxes I of “molon labe” found its way into English and onto a flag that continues to wave in the hearts and minds of humans everywhere. Indeed “Come and take it” has been the motto of Gonzales ever since and is found on small cannons all over the lawns, bars, stores, and public buildings all over town. In 1831 the Mexican Government granted the colonial request for the cannon as a deterrent to the Indian depredations common in Coaluila y Tejas state at the time. At the abolition of the 1824 Mexican constitution by Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna the colonists rebelled and naturally the Mexican authorities wanted their cannon back. The attempt to “go and take it” failed as the first shots were fired and the rest is history.
Seeing the cannon for the first time is, to some, an interesting event due to its diminutive size.
The two touch holes you see here located 30 degrees apart are the archeological forensic confirmation of the cannon’s authenticity. The bands, carriage and wheels are replicas.
The small shot used is also an unexpected feature. Notice the “Come and take it” in the background. The flag cannon was most likely bigger than the actual cannon.
As we sat out in the light mist around a blazing campfire that last night we were very contented with our wonderful loop through history and all the beauty of the natural world.
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Our historical Texas loop road adventure was a great trip down near and along the Texas gulf coast. It was a great way to see things and visit places that were a part of early European exploration of Texas and its later independence movement. It was also fun and interesting to see much of the flora and fauna of the Texas gulf coast region and enjoy beach combing on Padre Island National Seashore. I really enjoyed all the different things we did and places we visited on the trip. A big thank you to Rebecca and David for mapping our itinerary, making reservations, and planning our activities and meals. I had a great time traveling with y’all and look forward to our next adventure.