Archaeologists have unearthed a significant artifact at the Alamo: a four-pound bronze cannonball likely fired during the pivotal 1836 battle. The discovery, announced on March 19th by the Alamo Trust, provides a tangible connection to the events that unfolded nearly two centuries ago.

A Window into the 1836 Battle

The cannonball was discovered on March 5th, just a day before the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. This find offers a unique perspective on the intensity of the conflict and the weaponry used by both sides. The battle itself was a defining moment in Texan history, with Texian rebels, including figures like Davy Crockett and William B. Travis, defending the mission against a larger Mexican army for thirteen days.

Context is Key

The unearthed cannonball was found approximately three feet beneath the ground outside the Alamo Church. Researchers also discovered four fragments of exploding shot – three bronze and one iron – identified as Howitzer rounds. Tiffany Lindley, the Alamo's director of archaeology, stated the cannonball is likely directly connected to the siege, originating from a Mexican Army artillery battery on the northeastern side of the compound.

Lindley emphasized the artifact’s uniqueness, noting it is the only solid shot of its size recovered from the site. She explained that post-battle site usage, looting, and earlier utility installations likely removed many larger artifacts. “Due to significant utilization of the site post-battle, the looting of the site in the immediate period following the battle, and previous utility installation, many artifacts — especially those this large — were taken off site,” Lindley said. “Once an artifact is removed from its original deposition, it loses its context and, for researchers, it becomes less significant. … The context of this solid shot is what makes the find significant.”

Future Preservation and Display

Following fieldwork, researchers will conduct a detailed analysis of the cannonball. The Alamo Trust is considering showcasing the artifact within the future Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, scheduled to open in 2028. This would provide visitors with a more immersive connection to the past.

The cannonball joins a collection of over 250,000 artifacts previously discovered at the Alamo, including ceramics, musket balls, adobe fragments, and glass bottles. Lindley noted that each find, regardless of size, contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the Alamo’s history and the lives of those who fought there.