The Alamo Begins 1836 Battle Cannon Replica Project

The Alamo is excited to announce the 1836 Battle Cannon Replica Project, which will see working cannon replicas added to the site. These high-quality, historically-accurate replicas will be placed in the vicinity of the Alamo's Main Gate and Palisade, where the historical record tells us they likely were during the 1836 battle.

"Researching and having replicas cast of the cannons that were present at the site during the Battle of the Alamo is an exciting opportunity to add to our knowledge of the artillery," the Alamo's Director of Archaeology, Collections, and Historical Research Kristi Miller Nichols said. "The research into the history of our cannons will ensure these replicas are as realistic and historically-accurate as possible. It's a very exciting endeavor that we cannot wait to share with the public," Nichols added.

This project is just beginning and is set for completion in 2021, but the public won't have to wait long to see the first replicas displayed on site. Two replicas of iron 4-pounder cannons will arrive at the Alamo in September.

Made by Hern Iron Works, these first two replicas (marked #7 and #8 in the graphic above) will be placed near the center of Alamo Plaza for public display. The original cannons are believed to have been located here, but not used during the Battle of the Alamo. These two replicas will be made using measurements of the iron 4-pounder cannon that is currently on display in the Alamo Arcade.

The Alamo Collections Team will use current archival research, historic photographs, the cannons currently in the Alamo's possession, and conservation data from Texas A&M to determine where each cannon was located and what they looked like so they can be replicated as closely as possible.  The team will also use innovative technology, including 3D scanning, to collect information on how the replicas should be designed. The Alamo is also utilizing a team of six experts as more replicas are developed:

• Mark Lambert, Deputy Director for Archives & Records at the Texas General Land Office
• James Woodrick, Author of The Alamo Artillery and Texas Artillery Before 1835
• Jim Jobling, Lab Manager at Texas A&M University's Conservation Research Lab
• Gregg Dimmick, M.D., Author of Sea of Mud: The Retreat of the Mexican Army after San Jacinto, An Archaeological Investigation.
• Donald Frazier, Ph.D., Director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville
• Craig Covner, Author & Alamo Society Member

Updates on the replica creation process and announcements of when more replicas will be put on display will posted on the Official Alamo Facebook page.

About Alamo Trust, Inc. | Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo serves as a sacred memorial to all those who lived, fought and died there. Visitors pay homage to the heroes of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, a defining moment in Texas History. Alamo Trust, Inc., or the Alamo, tells that story of Texas independence, as part of its 300-year history to over 1.6 million visitors every year. To visit the Alamo is to witness living history, experience authentic artifacts and admire an iconic landmark that shaped the country. Visit thealamo.org.