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The Alamo Sends Three Historic Cannons To Texas A&M For Conservation, Gets Two Battle Cannons Back
July 24, 2020
Contact: Kevin Femmel
Alamo Trust, Inc.
kfemmel@thealamo.org
Office (210) 225-1391x3005
Mobile (210) 836-8616
After successfully conserving eight of the cannons currently on display, the Alamo is collaborating with Texas A&M's University's (TAMU) Conservation Research Lab (CRL) once again to conserve three more historic cannons. One of the cannons sent to A&M for conservation this week is from the esteemed Phil Collins Texana Collection, which was generously donated to the Alamo in 2014.
This beautiful naval gun is an iron cannon with a 5-inch bore and is believed to have been created in Britain back in 1800. Like the rest of the priceless artifacts in the Phil Collins Texana Collection, this cannon will be proudly displayed for the public on the grounds or in the upcoming Alamo Museum. The other two cannons sent for conservation were likely used during the battle in 1836.
“After the amazing results we had working with A&M’s Conservation Research Lab (CRL) in 2018 on eight other cannons from the battle, we cannot wait to see what CRL discovers while restoring these three cannons," Alamo Conservator Pam Jary Rosser said. "Last time we gave CRL cannon to preserve they discovered information on where and when they were cast, and even unfired cannon balls discovered in the breech. We cannot wait to see what the TAMU conservation lab discovers while the three cannon are being conserved," Rosser added.
The other two cannons were originally created in Spain, with one dating back to 1750. These two cannons are on loan from the San Jacinto Battleground Association (also known as the San Jacinto Battleground Conservancy), and the McCombs Foundation respectively. After the conservation process is complete, each cannon will be displayed at the Alamo in addition to the six conserved cannons currently located in the Alamo Arcade.
Texas A&M also completed conservation work on two Alamo battle-period cannons this week, which were previously on display at La Villita. These two cannons, owned by the City of San Antonio, along with the three that were sent to CRL for conservation this week, will bring the total number of likely battle cannons at the Alamo today to 9.
Follow the Official Alamo Facebook page for updates on the cannons and other preservation work.
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.
