Archaeologists working at the Alamo have uncovered a rare, fully intact solid bronze cannonball dating back nearly 200 years, marking a significant discovery just ahead of the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.
The artifact was discovered on March 5, 2026, during ongoing excavations just outside the Alamo Church. Weighing approximately four pounds, the cannonball was found about three feet below the surface in undisturbed soil, allowing researchers to confidently connect it to the 1836 siege.
The material of the projectile provides a key clue about its origin. Bronze cannonballs were primarily used by the Mexican Army during the battle, while Texian forces typically relied on iron munitions. Based on this distinction, historians believe the cannonball likely came from Mexican artillery and was fired during the 12-day siege.
The discovery is part of the ongoing $550 million Alamo Plan, a large-scale preservation and expansion effort aimed at protecting and interpreting the historic site. The Alamo remains an active archaeological zone, where new findings continue to shed light on one of the most studied battles in Texas history.
The cannonball adds to a growing collection of combat-related artifacts uncovered at the site in recent months, including fragments of โexploding shotโ from howitzer rounds. Researchers are now analyzing the newly discovered cannonball and other recovered pieces to better understand the weapons used during the battle, including their size, trajectory, and impact.
The Battle of the Alamo remains one of the most defining moments in Texas history. Fought in 1836 during the Texas Revolution, the battle became a symbol of sacrifice and determination. While the Alamo ultimately fell, the stand taken there helped fuel the fight for Texas independence and continues to hold deep historical significance across the state.
