What's Happening?
Archaeologists have uncovered a historic cannonball at the Alamo, believed to have been fired during the 1836 battle between Mexican forces and Texian rebels. The discovery was announced by the Alamo Trust, the nonprofit organization overseeing the Alamo Mission.
The cannonball was found on March 5, just before the 190th anniversary of the battle. It weighs four pounds and was located three feet below the ground outside the Alamo Church. Researchers also found four exploding shot fragments identified as Howitzer rounds. The cannonball is significant as it is the only solid shot of its size found at the site, according to Tiffany Lindley, the director of archaeology at the Alamo.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of the cannonball adds to the historical narrative of the Battle of the Alamo, a pivotal event in Texas history. The battle, which saw Texian forces including Davy Crockett and William B. Travis hold off a larger Mexican army, ended with nearly all Texian defenders killed. The 'Remember the Alamo!' cry became a rallying point for Texian forces, leading to a decisive victory at San Jacinto. The cannonball's context and preservation offer valuable insights into the siege and the site's post-battle utilization. It joins over 250,000 artifacts found at the site, contributing to the understanding of the historical events that took place.
What's Next?
Researchers will analyze the cannonball once fieldwork concludes, and it may be displayed in the future. The Alamo Trust hopes to find a place to display the cannonball at the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2028. The ongoing archaeological project aims to expand the story of the Alamo through the artifacts found.
