Nearly 190 years after the Battle of the Alamo, archaeologists unearthed cannonballs from both armies, revealing rare physical evidence of the historic 1836 siege and its final exchange of fire

Nearly 190 years after the Battle of the Alamo, the ground has revealed something historians never expected. Archaeologists in Texas have uncovered two intact cannonballs believed to have been fired by opposing armies during the famous 1836 siege. One likely came from the Mexican Army. The other appears to have been fired by the Texan defenders. Together, they offer one of the clearest pieces of physical evidence yet from one of the most iconic battles in American history.

The discoveries were made just months apart during ongoing excavations at the Alamo in San Antonio. The first, a bronze cannonball, was unearthed in March 2026. The second, a larger iron cannonball, was found in June near the same section of the historic church. Experts believe the two projectiles came from opposite sides of the battlefield, preserving a rare moment when artillery fire crossed during the 13-day siege.

For decades, archaeologists working at the Alamo recovered musket balls, metal fragments, and damaged ammunition. Intact solid-shot cannonballs, however, remained missing. That is why researchers describe these discoveries as exceptionally rare. Because the cannonballs appear to have remained untouched since they landed in 1836, they provide an authentic link to the battle itself rather than to later collections or museum acquisitions.


The Battle of the Alamo has long been remembered through eyewitness accounts, military records, and legendary figures such as Davy Crockett. Now, archaeology is adding fresh evidence to that story. By studying the size, material, and location of the cannonballs, historians can better understand how both armies positioned their artillery and how the siege unfolded nearly two centuries ago.

Why is this newly discovered Alamo Cannonball such a big deal?

According to the Alamo Trust, the newly excavated iron cannonball was uncovered on June 2 during ongoing archaeological work near the northeast corner of the Alamo Church. Archaeologists immediately recognized its importance because intact battlefield ammunition from the 1836 siege is exceptionally rare.

Tiffany Lindley, Director of Archaeology for the Alamo, described the discovery as a major milestone for the excavation team. Earlier this year, researchers celebrated the recovery of an intact bronze cannonball found just before the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. Finding another complete cannonball only months later exceeded expectations and provides another valuable artifact from the historic battlefield.

Unlike fragmented ammunition commonly found during excavations, intact cannonballs preserve valuable information about the weapons used, firing positions and battlefield conditions. Every recovered projectile helps experts compare archaeological evidence with historical records dating back nearly two centuries.

How does this Cannonball help historians understand the battle of the Alamo?

Historical accounts of the Battle of the Alamo often differ depending on who recorded them. Soldiers, survivors and later historians sometimes offered conflicting descriptions of troop movements, artillery placement and the final assault.

This is where archaeology plays an important role. Researchers carefully document the exact location, depth and orientation of every artifact recovered during excavations. These details help experts map where defensive positions existed and determine how artillery may have been exchanged during the 13-day siege.

Because the newly discovered cannonball is made of iron, archaeologists believe it was likely fired by Texan defenders. Earlier analysis suggested the bronze cannonball recovered in March was probably fired by Mexican forces.

Although laboratory analysis is still underway, finding ammunition from both sides of the conflict within the same excavation area provides rare physical evidence that can support—or sometimes challenge—traditional historical interpretations. Every artifact recovered becomes another piece of the puzzle that helps researchers reconstruct the battlefield with greater accuracy.

What happened during the battle of the Alamo in 1836?

The Battle of the Alamo was one of the defining moments of the Texas Revolution. It took place between February 23 and March 6, 1836, at the Alamo Mission in present-day San Antonio, Texas.

Around 180 to 200 Texan defenders, including volunteers from the United States and Tejanos who supported independence, occupied the former Spanish mission as Mexican President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna advanced with an army of several thousand soldiers. Knowing they were heavily outnumbered, the defenders refused to surrender. Instead, they prepared for what would become one of the most famous last stands in American history. The siege lasted 13 days, with Mexican forces surrounding the mission and bombarding its walls with artillery while the defenders returned fire with their own cannons whenever possible.

Inside the Alamo, supplies were limited and reinforcements never arrived in sufficient numbers. Commanders William B. Travis, James Bowie, and frontiersman Davy Crockett became symbols of the resistance. Throughout the siege, Mexican troops repeatedly attacked the mission's defenses with cannon fire and musket volleys, while the defenders used every available weapon to slow the advance. Before dawn on March 6, Santa Anna ordered a full-scale assault from multiple directions.

After fierce hand-to-hand fighting, Mexican soldiers breached the walls and overwhelmed the defenders. Nearly every Texan inside the Alamo was killed. Although Mexico captured the mission, the victory came with significant casualties among Santa Anna's troops, reflecting the intensity of the battle.

The fall of the Alamo quickly became a turning point rather than the end of the conflict. News of the defenders' sacrifice spread across Texas, inspiring volunteers to join the fight against Mexican rule. The phrase "Remember the Alamo!" became a powerful rallying cry during the Texas Revolution. Just weeks later, General Sam Houston's army defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas' independence from Mexico. Today, the Alamo is remembered not only as a historic battlefield but also as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and determination.

Many people wonder how important discoveries continue to emerge after decades of research at the Alamo. The answer lies beneath modern San Antonio.

Over nearly two centuries, roads, buildings and urban development covered portions of the original battlefield. Modern archaeological methods—including ground surveys, detailed mapping and carefully controlled excavations—allow researchers to investigate areas that were previously inaccessible or never systematically studied.

Current excavations are part of a broader preservation initiative aimed at protecting the Alamo while expanding historians' understanding of the site.

Rather than searching randomly, archaeologists excavate layer by layer, recording the exact context of every object they recover. Even seemingly ordinary artifacts—including musket balls, nails, ceramics and cannon fragments—can provide valuable information about daily life, military strategy and the final hours of the siege.

The discovery of two intact cannonballs within months highlights how much evidence may still remain beneath the historic grounds. Each excavation season has the potential to reshape historians' understanding of one of America's most famous battlefields.

What can visitors see at the Alamo today?

The Alamo remains one of Texas' most visited historic destinations and continues to evolve as new discoveries are made. Visitors can explore the historic church, museum exhibits and ongoing preservation projects while learning about the Texas Revolution through artifacts recovered directly from the site.

During active excavation periods, visitors may even observe archaeologists at work as they carefully uncover new pieces of history. The ongoing restoration effort seeks not only to preserve the structures themselves but also to protect archaeological evidence still hidden underground.

As additional discoveries emerge, museum exhibits continue to incorporate new findings, allowing visitors to see how modern science is expanding what historians know about the Battle of the Alamo.

The discovery of the second intact cannonball demonstrates that even one of America's most extensively studied historic landmarks still has stories left to tell.

For archaeologists, battlefield artifacts are more than historic objects. They provide direct, physical evidence that helps answer questions impossible to resolve through written records alone.

As laboratory analysis continues, researchers hope the newly recovered cannonball will reveal additional information about its manufacture, use and trajectory during the battle.

Combined with other artifacts recovered throughout the excavation, it may help historians create a more accurate reconstruction of the 1836 siege than ever before.

The Alamo has long stood as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and Texas independence. Nearly 190 years later, discoveries beneath its grounds continue to deepen our understanding of one of the most significant moments in American history, proving that even familiar landmarks can still hold extraordinary secrets waiting to be uncovered.