Artifact Spotlight — Bullet

Kristi Nichols, Director of Archaeology, Collections and Historical Research
January 29, 2020
Bullet measures 0.73 inches in length
Approx. Date of Artifact Mid-19th to Early 20th Century

During the excavations on the south side of the Long Barrack, archaeologists recovered this lead, conical bullet. The bullet was encountered in their first level of the excavation unit, which had some variation in depth due to the unevenness of the surface once the hardscape had been removed.

The bullet measures 0.73 inches in length with a diameter of 0.45 inches at the base and weighs 16.4 grams. The bullet appears to be .45 caliber, and likely would have been used in a pistol. It does not appear to have evidence of impact, therefore may not have been fired.

The Alamo Curator reported that this type of conical bullet could have been used from the Civil War period to late 1800s. Similar bullets are used today, although have a smooth base where this artifact exhibits a hollow base.