Archaeologists at the Alamo have made a significant discovery, unearthing a second intact cannonball from the battle era on June 2. This latest find was located next to a bronze cannonball that was discovered earlier in March, just a day shy of the 190th anniversary of the historic 1836 siege.
The newly found artifact, a solid iron cannonball, is believed to date back to the time of the Texas Revolution. Early analysis of the surrounding soil suggests that this cannonball was likely fired by the Texan defenders, while the bronze cannonball is thought to have belonged to the Mexican Army. Researchers are currently working to confirm the origins of both projectiles to ascertain which sides fired them during the conflict.
Dr. Tiffany Lindley, the Alamo’s director of archaeology, expressed the rarity of such discoveries, noting, “A cannonball is maybe a once-in-a-lifetime — or in my case, a twice-in-a-lifetime — discovery.”
Both cannonballs were found at a comparable depth within a “clean deposit,” indicating that the layers of soil have not been disturbed over time. This preservation suggests that the artifacts remain in their original positions from when they were first used during the revolution.
Kolby Lanham, senior researcher and historian for the Alamo, stated that while both artifacts are similar in weight, the iron cannonball is slightly larger and was likely fired from a six-pound cannon. “The likelihood is that the bronze one belonged to the Mexican Army and the iron one belonged to the Texans at some point,” Lanham added, referring to soil data and primary sources from the Mexican military that support their use during the 1836 siege.
This discovery comes at a time when archaeological excavations are ongoing as part of efforts to preserve the Alamo Church and Long Barrack, alongside construction for a $700 million master redevelopment plan for the historic site. The Alamo, managed by the nonprofit Alamo Trust, Inc., attracts over 1.6 million visitors each year.
