Discovery of Cannonballs from the Battle of the Alamo

Cannonball Discovery at the Alamo

Archaeologists discovered a cannonball that may have been fired during the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. This find comes only three months after another similar discovery. On June 2, the projectile was uncovered outside the northeast corner of the Alamo Church.

The Alamo Trust, responsible for the Alamo Mission, shared this discovery on June 16. The cannonball was found near where an intact version emerged in March.

Details of the Cannonball

Images reveal the cannonball’s rust-covered surface, giving it an orange-brown hue. Based on its depth compared to the first cannonball, experts believe it stayed untouched underground for nearly 190 years.

“So whenever they were dropped, the very first time — possibly in 1836, probably — they haven’t been touched since,” said Tiffany Lindley, director of archaeology at the Alamo.

Importance of the Alamo Battle

The Battle of the Alamo, pivotal in Texas history, saw Texian forces, including well-known figures Davy Crockett and William B. Travis, defend against Mexican troops from Feb. 23 to Mar. 6, 1836. Despite being overrun, the battle fueled the Texas Revolution.

Excavation Surprises

Lindley noted the site’s extensive past use, including its role in the U.S. military and commercial developments, affecting underground resources.

The site’s excavation surprises with its finds. Discovering the first cannonball was unexpected, with the second discovery months later even more so.

Though the second cannonball isn’t as well-preserved due to its iron composition, it remains in decent condition. Researchers hope to conserve both artifacts.

Continuous Discoveries

Lindley’s team finds numerous artifacts daily, ranging from historically exciting pieces to everyday items like nails and bricks. These discoveries, though often broken or discarded, provide insight into past lives.

The cannonball discovery, while exciting, is just a part of a larger excavation process. Lindley shares that after fieldwork concludes, data analysis will reveal more about those who lived at the site.