In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered the oldest firearm ever found in the continental United States. The 500-year-old bronze cannon, linked to Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s 16th-century expedition, was found buried beneath the ruins of an adobe structure in Arizona’s Santa Cruz Valley.
The Coronado Expedition’s Mysterious Trail
Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, embarked on a journey in 1540 in search of the fabled “Seven Cities of Gold.” With a retinue of around 2,500 people, including soldiers, Indigenous allies, and laborers, Coronado ventured from Mexico into what is now the southwestern United States, reaching as far north as Kansas before retreating to Mexico in 1542.
The precise route taken by Coronado has long puzzled historians due to vague journal entries and a lack of archaeological evidence. While historians debated his movements for centuries, the cannon’s discovery sheds new light on the expedition’s trail and the technology it brought to the New World.
A Fortuitous Find in the Santa Cruz Valley
Dr. Deni Seymour, a seasoned archaeologist specializing in Indigenous and Spanish history, led the team that unearthed the artifact. The breakthrough began with a humble nail.
“I found these iron nails dating back to the 16th century scattered around the Santa Cruz Valley,” Seymour explained. “They were a clear indicator that we were onto something significant.”
After months of careful excavation, Seymour’s team uncovered a collapsed adobe wall that concealed the historic cannon. Measuring 42 inches in length and weighing about 40 pounds, the bronze firearm likely served as a defensive tool at a Spanish outpost.
Technology Behind the Cannon
The cannon’s design speaks volumes about its origins. Unlike the ornate weapons commonly crafted in Spain, this piece was simple, likely cast in Mexico or the Caribbean. This practicality was crucial for Coronado’s men, who needed portable and effective tools for both offense and defense.
- The cannon could be mounted on a wooden stand or used as a wall gun.
- It was capable of firing at targets up to 700 yards away.
- It was designed to breach adobe fortifications, a common architectural style of the Indigenous groups encountered.
Interestingly, no evidence suggests the cannon was ever used. Researchers believe it was abandoned when Spanish forces retreated after an Indigenous assault on their settlement.
Radiocarbon Dating and Significance
Radiocarbon dating confirmed the cannon’s age, firmly placing it within the timeline of Coronado’s expedition. This makes it the oldest known firearm in the continental U.S. and potentially the oldest cannon on the entire continent.
The discovery not only highlights the technological advancements of the time but also provides tangible evidence of European incursions into the American Southwest during the 16th century.
What This Means for U.S. Archaeology
The cannon offers rare insight into the interaction between European explorers and Indigenous peoples. Its location within an adobe structure suggests the site may have served as a fortified Spanish outpost, one of the earliest known in the region.
Additionally, the artifact provides a physical connection to the Coronado expedition, which has remained elusive in the archaeological record. Dr. Seymour’s work opens doors for further exploration of this period, blending historical documentation with modern archaeological techniques.
| Cannon Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Length | 42 inches |
| Weight | 40 pounds |
| Range | Up to 700 yards |
| Origin | Likely Mexico or the Caribbean |
| Purpose | Defense and breaching fortifications |
“This wall gun is not just an artifact; it’s a story in bronze, a snapshot of history that connects us to the very first European explorations in this part of the world,” Seymour said.
The discovery, now published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, is expected to inspire renewed interest in Coronado’s journey and its impact on the Southwest.
