Archaeologists working at The Alamo have uncovered a rare and remarkably well-preserved artefact from one of the most pivotal moments in Texas history: a fully intact cannonball dating back to the Battle of the Alamo.
The discovery was made on March 5, 2026—just one day before the 190th anniversary of the battle—during ongoing excavations near the Alamo Church. The four-pound, solid bronze cannonball was found approximately three feet below ground in what archaeologists described as a “clean deposit,” meaning the soil layers clearly indicate a specific historical timeframe.
“This find gives us a near-certain connection to the period of the battle itself,” said Dr. Tiffany Lindley, Director of Archaeology at the Alamo. Speaking on the site’s official podcast, she described the emotional impact of the discovery, noting that the team was deeply moved by the moment the artefact emerged.
Experts believe the cannonball was most likely fired by Mexican forces during the 13-day siege in 1836. According to senior historian Kolby Lanham, the material composition provides a key clue. “The Mexican Army primarily used bronze cannonballs, while Texian defenders typically used iron,” he explained. While he acknowledged the possibility of captured and reused ammunition, Lanham estimated a “99% certainty” that the artefact originated from Mexican artillery.
The cannonball is not the only recent find. Over the past year, archaeologists have also recovered four fragments of explosive rounds—three bronze and one iron—identified as howitzer shells. Unlike solid shot, these hollow projectiles were filled with gunpowder and designed to detonate on impact, functioning similarly to modern grenades. Researchers plan to analyse these fragments further to determine weapon size and firing trajectories.
The excavation is part of a broader preservation and development effort tied to the $550 million Alamo Plan. The site remains an active archaeological zone, with daily work visible to visitors. Public engagement has grown alongside these efforts, with many guests witnessing discoveries firsthand.
Dr Lindley recalled one visitor comparing the experience favourably to Pompeii—high praise in archaeological circles. “It’s exciting to see people connect so deeply with the history unfolding right in front of them,” she said.
Managed by Alamo Trust, Inc., the historic site attracts over 1.6 million visitors annually and remains a symbol of Texas heritage and identity.
Sources : The Alamo