The Alamo’s archaeology team is celebrating the rare discoveries of four solid-shot cannonballs unearthed during a year-and-a-half-long excavation project along the perimeter of the iconic Alamo Church, one of the two surviving structures from the world-famous Battle of the Alamo.
Alamo Historians link all four projectiles to the pivotal 13-day Siege and Battle of the Alamo.
The Alamo’s Director of Archaeology Dr. Tiffany Lindley described the extraordinary discoveries as both career milestones and emotionally humbling.
“Having a piece of history and holding it in your hand, when the last person who touched this possibly died during the Battle, that carries a lot of emotional weight to it,” Dr. Lindley said.
Cannonball Facts
The first cannonball was discovered on March 5, 2026, on the eve of the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, and is made of bronze. It is 2.97″ in diameter and fits a 4-pounder cannon.
The second cannonball was discovered in June 2026, and is made of iron. It is 3.28″ in diameter and fits a 6-pounder cannon.
The third cannonball is made of bronze. It is 1.8″ in diameter and fits a 1-pounder cannon.
The fourth cannonball to be unearthed is made of bronze. It is 3.26″ inches in diameter and fits a 6-pounder cannon.
Young Texans Tour Offered Twice a Day The Young Texans Tour will be offered twice a day from Saturday, November 21 through Sunday, November 29 at 10:45 am and 12:45 pm. Perfect for kids of all ages, the Young Texans Tour is an interactive introduction to the incredible story of the Alamo! Young guests will step back in time to discover what life was like for the brave Alamo Defenders and the families who lived here when it served as a Spanish mission. Reserve tickets!
Exclusive Radko Offer For November Only This month only! 🎁 Join Friends of the Alamo at the $1,000 Defender’s Circle Level and receive a complimentary Christopher Radko Alamo Christmas Ornament. Keep history alive and ensure that future generations will Remember the Alamo by joining Friends of the Alamo today!
The Alamo Will Be Open on Thanksgiving The Alamo will be OPEN on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, from 9 am to 5:30 pm! Need plans during the holidays that the whole family will enjoy? The Alamo has something for everyone, such as the Young Texans Tour for the little historians, the Remember the Alamo Guided Tour, the new Sons of ’76 Exhibit, and so much more. Plan your visit today!
Stories Bigger Than Texas: The Alamo Podcast The award-winning “Stories Bigger Than Texas” podcast is the official podcast of the Shrine of Texas Liberty. It features in-depth conversations with guests ranging from the Alamo’s team of experts, descendant groups, and leaders from related historic sites. New episodes are released on Thursdays. New episodes are released on Thursdays. Listen to the podcast now!
Remember the Alamo In Style Rep maroon or burnt orange with these new Remember the Alamo T-shirts for the UT vs. A&M game on November 27th!
Fess Parker Print This print was created for The Walt Disney Company and shows Fess Parker as Davy Crockett signing autographs, surrounded by children, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck. This image shows the popularity of Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier in the 1950s. This artifact is part of The Kevin Settle Collection at the Alamo.
Storytime at the Alamo | Free November 1st | 10:30 am to 11 am Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., gather beneath an ancient live oak tree for a weekly story time with one of the Alamo’s engaging living historians. This free experience will take place at the Will Naylor Smith Outdoor Classroom outside the Texas Cavaliers Education Center.
Revolution Arrives: Siege of Bexar | Free November 7th | 10 am to 2 pm Join our living historians to experience this opening event of the Texas Revolution. The free, family-friendly event will include musket firing demonstrations and three immersive camps that represent the Texian Army, Mexican Army, and Civilians at the dawn of the Revolution.
Live Music at the Alamo | Free November 7th | 12 pm to 1 pm Live music activates the Alamo historic site on select Saturdays. Our featured ensembles offer traditional tunes and period-appropriate music. Stop by and enjoy, and feel free to kick up your heels! The performances take place on the Plaza de Valero stage in front of the Menger Hotel or in Cavalry Courtyard near the Long Barrack.
Save Texas History Symposium | Register here November 13th & 14th Join the Texas General Land Office for the 2026 Save Texas History Symposium, “A Lone Star Among Many: Texas and the Making of America,” at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. Leading scholars, storytellers, and preservation experts will explore the history of Texas, from its earliest roots to its ongoing legacy, and explain why it matters to the American story.
Weapons and Whiskey | Reserve Tickets November 19th | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Get up close and personal with weapons and historic artifacts from the Alamo while tasting whiskey and enjoying light bites at Bohanan’s. Alamo historical research and curation staff will present a collection of weapons from the Alamo Collection and recount tales from the epic battle.
Christmas in the Plaza | Free November 28th | 6 pm to 8 pm Delight in the magic of the holiday season at the Shrine of Texas Liberty with the Alamo Christmas Tree. Experience the iconic site decorated for the holidays – from the traditional Christmas tree on the Plaza to festive lights illuminating Plaza de Valero. Visiting the Alamo during this time of year is a must-see for all Texans!
