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.