Ancient Firearm Linked to Coronado’s Expedition Discovered in Arizona
A firearm discovered in Arizona is what researchers believe to be the “oldest” ever found in the continental United States.
Excavations along the Santa Cruz River in Southern Arizona brought to light a bronze cannon, or a wall gun, used during the 1539-1542 expedition led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado to the modern-day American Southwest.
The wall gun is the first ever to be found connected to the expedition, according to research published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology on Nov. 21, 2024.
“This wall gun is the first gun known to be associated with the Coronado expedition and is the oldest firearm ever found within the continental USA, and perhaps the oldest cannon currently known on the continent,” Dr. Deni J. Seymour and her colleagues wrote in the study.
The Quest for Riches and the Discovery of History
The expedition pursued tales of the fabled “Seven Cities of Cíbola,” which promised untold wealth and splendor, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Yet, in the thick of Arizona’s vast expanse, the hopes and dreams of riches faded like a mirage. Coronado found instead landmarks such as the majestic Grand Canyon, but no shimmering gold or glittering cities.
The firearm in Arizona was first found in the fall of 2020, at the settlement of San Geronimo III. It lay on the “floor of a Spanish stone-and-adobe structure,” whispering tales of ages past, according to the research. Only through a fusion of radiocarbon dating and optically stimulated luminescence techniques did researchers link this artifact to the Coronado expedition, grounding its extraordinary journey in time.
Design and Function: An Artifact of War
Measuring about 42 inches long and weighing in at 40 pounds, the wall gun is an imposing figure, a testament to the engineering of early firearms. The simplicity of its design suggests it may have been cast in Mexico or the Caribbean, inviting curiosity about the stories it might tell.
This particular weapon was crafted for mounting on a wooden tripod, allowing defenders to shield their fortifications effectively. Its capability to send lead balls soaring over 700 yards speaks volumes about the era’s obsession with power and protection.
Interestingly, this specific wall gun was found unloaded, devoid of any evidence of past use. It seems to have been abandoned, quietly watching the world change around it. The research suggests that its last resting place was sealed beneath the ruins following a hasty departure during an attack, leaving it enshrined in the memories of those long gone.
“This final blow seems to be the precipitating event that led to the abandonment of the wall gun, where it remained snugly encased in an eroded Spanish adobe-and-rock-walled structure [ruin] for 480 years,” researchers articulated, awash in the tragedy of history.
The discovery site revealed a trove of artifacts that bore testament to everyday life, such as remnants of broken swords, daggers, fishhooks, clothing fasteners, and fragments of copper vessels. Together, these objects conjure images of the lives once lived within these walls, sparking wonder about their stories.
Looking Forward: A Continuation of Discovery
As researchers prepare for further analysis to unearth more about this majestic wall gun, the intrigue surrounding its past lingers. Each finding adds another layer to the tapestry of history, augmenting our understanding of the Coronado expedition and the challenges faced by those brave enough to seek fortune in an unforgiving land.
In a world where we often overlook the tales of the past, artifacts like this wall gun remind us of the ever-fading echoes of ambition, struggle, and the unyielding spirit of exploration. Just outside of Tucson, local businesses such as the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Presidio are likely to play a role in further educating people about the ramifications of findings like this, ensuring the legacy of explorers continues to inspire future generations.
