San Antonio, Texas – Researchers from the Alamo Trust have uncovered two solid cannonballs during ongoing excavations around the Alamo Church. The finds, announced in late October, provide tangible artifacts from the 1836 siege that remains a cornerstone of Texas heritage.
Details of the discovery
The smaller projectile measures 1.8 inches in diameter, matching a one‑pound cannon, while the larger is 3.26 inches, consistent with a six‑pound cannon. Both were heavily weathered and discolored, reflecting nearly two centuries of burial.
These cannonballs join three earlier discoveries this year—a four‑pounder found in March and a six‑pounder recovered in June—bringing the total number of recovered cannonballs at the Alamo site to four.
What the artifacts reveal
Head archaeologist Tiffany Lindley explained that the bronze composition of the balls aligns with material used by the Mexican army, suggesting they may have originated from Mexican forces. However, she cautioned that the balls could have been collected by the Alamo defenders or other parties before the battle, meaning either side might have employed them.
To link the artifacts to the battle, Lindley and her team examined the soil layers in which the cannonballs were found. The depth and surrounding items—such as musket balls and gun parts—indicate the artifacts lie in a deposit older than those in higher layers, pointing to a battlefield context.
Historical analysis further suggests the cannonballs were likely positioned near a Mexican artillery emplacement outside the Alamo, aimed toward the church area during the 13‑day siege that ended on March 6, 1836.
Significance for the community
“Now we have a physical piece of evidence of the sacrifice made here by those who lived during the battle, and their memories live on,” Lindley said. The discovery reinforces the Alamo’s role as a living reminder of the courage and faith of early Texians and their families.
Local residents and visitors alike can look forward to seeing the cannonballs displayed as part of the Alamo’s ongoing preservation efforts, deepening public appreciation for the site’s historic legacy.
Future work
The Alamo Trust plans to continue expanding the excavation area, noting that a larger dig increases the likelihood of uncovering additional artifacts. Each new find contributes to a richer understanding of the battle’s dynamics and the people who defended the Alamo.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
