Let’s dive into the amazing details of this incredible story:
- While excavating a Spanish stone-and-adobe site in Arizona, archaeologists stumbled upon a gun that dates back 480 years.
- Experts believe this “wall gun” may have ties to the famous Coronado expedition.
- This discovery marks it as the oldest firearm ever found in the continental United States.
During his adventurous quest for the elusive Seven Cities of Gold in the American southwest, Spanish explorer Vázquez de Coronado unknowingly left behind materials that have now become a crucial part of both archaeological and weapon history in America.
A team of researchers recently found a bronze cannon, also known as a “wall gun,” at a site in Arizona, using radiocarbon dating and other methods to confirm its link to the Coronado expedition from 1539 to 1542. This cannon holds the distinction of being the oldest firearm ever found on continental U.S. soil.
In a study that made waves in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, these researchers shared insights about their 2020 find at San Geronimo III in what is now Nogales, Arizona, revealing details for the first time.
Dating techniques confirm that this gun was indeed part of the era of the Coronado expedition, which was driven by hopes of discovering gold in the mythical Cibola—thought to be somewhere in what is now the southwestern U.S.
According to the study, “This wall gun is the oldest known gun linked to the Coronado expedition and likely the oldest cannon in the entire continent.”
This isn’t your everyday hand pistol; measuring 42 inches long and weighing about 40 pounds, it apparently required two people to operate. Interestingly, no bullets were found around the excavated area; however, they did uncover a treasure trove of broken swords, daggers, fishhooks, pottery, and other artifacts. Plus, the lack of residue in the barrel suggests this gun was never fired.
Archaeologist and lead author Deni Seymour expressed her astonishment at the discovery, stating, “I was in shock. It felt surreal in a way that hardly ever happens to me.” She shared this with the Washington Post.
A wall gun, it turns out, is a heavy-duty version of a musket, gaining its name from its use at the walls of buildings or on ship railings. While it might not fit our typical image of a gun, which we usually picture as a smaller firearm, it is also often referred to as a cannon because of the shape of its barrel. This historical artifact likely originated in the early 1500s, traveling with the expedition after being manufactured either in Mexico or the Caribbean before being left behind centuries ago.
Deni Seymour said, “An artifact like this helps link people to the past and fans the flames of their imagination.”
The expedition by Coronado was a major Spanish endeavor that began in Mexico with the ambition of uncovering the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola, which ultimately were revealed to be a mere myth. While no magnificent, gold-filled cities were discovered, this exploration made them the first Europeans to set eyes on the Grand Canyon.
Seymour also mentioned to the Post that since the initial discovery back in 2020, she has identified a second cannon of a similar type. “The cannon is pretty darn wonderful, but every artifact we uncover adds to this fascinating story, which keeps things exciting for me,” she said.
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