Archaeologists working at the Alamo have uncovered a second cannonball believed to have been used by Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. The solid-iron cannonball was found on June 2 near the northeast corner of the Alamo Church, close to the location where a bronze cannonball was recovered earlier on March 5. That discovery occurred one day before the 190th anniversary of the historic battle.

According to Tiffany Lindley, director of archaeology at the Alamo, layers of soil surrounding both cannonballs suggest they remain in their original placements from the battle. “A cannonball is maybe a once-in-a-lifetime — or in my case, a twice-in-a-lifetime — discovery,” Lindley said in a statement.

The iron cannonball is slightly larger than the bronze one and was likely fired from a six-pound cannon, said Kolby Lanham, the senior researcher and historian at the site. Lanham indicated that the bronze cannonball probably belonged to the Mexican Army, while the iron one was used by the Texan defenders.

Investigation into the cannonballs’ origins and dimensions is ongoing, with Alamo staff collaborating with external experts. Additional artifacts discovered near the mission church include fragments of exploding shot, all part of a wider effort linked to a $700 million renovation project at Alamo Plaza. This initiative aims to enhance the interpretation of the historic mission and battle site through improved exhibits and infrastructure.

Recent upgrades as part of the redevelopment include the opening of the Texas Cavaliers Education Center last spring, which features classrooms, workshops, and a theater. Further developments under construction include a new visitor center and museum, along with scheduled roof replacement for the church. The education center is expected to increase annual visits by schoolchildren from the current 140,000 to approximately 250,000, reinforcing the site’s role as a focal point for historical education.