Researchers in Arizona have discovered the oldest gun ever found in the continental United States, a bronze cannon associated with the first European expedition of the Southwest. The cannon was found in a Spanish building near the Santa Cruz River in 2020 and sat there for 480 years. This building was part of San Geronimo III, the first European settlement in the Southwest, established in 1540. The cannon was found along with other artifacts related to a battle between the Spanish settlement and the indigenous Sobaipuri O’odham people, leading the Spanish to stay out of southern Arizona for 150 years.
The design of the gun dates back to the mid-to-late 1400s and was practically obsolete by the time of the expedition led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1540. This expedition, which was unsuccessful in finding gold or establishing profitable settlements, was attacked by the Sobaipuri O’odham people, leading to the destruction of San Geronimo III. The discovery of the cannon and other artifacts provides evidence of this significant historical event.
The wall gun found at the site was lightweight, portable, and versatile, designed to be mounted on a wooden tripod along fortification walls. It was likely used for offense and defense, firing buckshot or round lead balls. While the gun was never fired, experts believe it was left behind during the attack because the Spanish were taken by surprise and didn’t have time to utilize it. A second cannon was also discovered at the site, which will be analyzed in the future.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
