Gonzales County vs. Eastland County
Revolution & Reptiles
Today’s match-up pairs the birthplace of the Texas Revolution with a county famous for a horned toad legend. Gonzales County is where the "Come and Take It" flag flew. Eastland County is home to "Old Rip," the horned toad that allegedly survived 31 years in a cornerstone. One is defined by a cannon and a battle cry; the other by oil history and a miracle lizard.
Gonzales County (Population Approx. 20,000)
Gonzales County is sacred ground. The first shot of the Texas Revolution was fired here. Gonzales serves as the hub for a region rich in history, poultry farming, and cattle. The vibe is proud, defiant, and deeply Texan. Challenges include preserving historic sites while fostering economic growth in a rural area.
Eastland County (Population Approx. 18,000)
Eastland County is a land of legends. Eastland and Ranger saw massive oil booms ("Roaring Ranger") that shaped the industry. The county is also famous for the legend of "Old Rip," a horned toad found alive in the courthouse cornerstone. The economy relies on agriculture and manufacturing. The community is friendly and loves a good story.
Why It Matters
Gonzales County reminds us of the fight for liberty. Eastland County reminds us of the wild days of the oil boom. Both counties preserve the folklore that makes Texas unique.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the historian in Gonzales and the storyteller in Eastland both keep our spirit alive.
In Gonzales County, the legacy is heavy. Open Primaries would allow the community to elect leaders who honor the "Come and Take It" spirit by fighting for local control and rural resources, rather than party lines. Ranked Choice Voting would help the community unite for the future.
In Eastland County, the boom days are past, but the future is bright. Ranked Choice Voting empowers the community to support candidates who prioritize rural revitalization and broadband access. It ensures that the home of Old Rip has a new chapter.
Did You Know…
The "Come and Take It" cannon was fired in Gonzales, starting the Texas Revolution on October 2, 1835.
"Old Rip" the horned toad is displayed in the Eastland courthouse; legend says he survived 31 years sealed in the cornerstone.
Ranger (Eastland) was the site of a massive oil boom in 1917 that funded the university system.
Gonzales hosts the Come and Take It Festival, a major celebration of Texas history.
Palmetto State Park in Gonzales County offers a prehistoric-looking swamp landscape unique to the area.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Gonzales residents love the river, the history tours, and the fierce independence. Eastland locals love the "Roaring Ranger" stories, the lakeside at Lake Leon, and the quirky charm of Old Rip.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Come and Take It Celebration (Gonzales): A massive festival with reenactments, music, and a parade.
Old Rip Festival (Eastland): Celebrating the famous horned toad with a parade and fun.
Roaring Ranger Days: Honoring the oil boom history.
Gonzales County Youth Show: Supporting local agriculture students.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
