A Genuine Battle Artifact

Historic 16 pound cannon on a stand inside next to a window

This iconic 16-pound cannon from the Battle of the Alamo is on display inside the Ralston Family Collections Center. The cannon was disabled and buried by the Mexican Army after the battle. Years later, it was discovered by the Maverick Family and later given to the Alamo.

Cannon History
Spanish soldiers saved this 18th century cannon from a shipwreck in Matagorda Bay off of the Texas coast in 1817. It was brought to San Antonio where it was later captured by Texian forces during the Siege and Battle of Bexar in 1835. The following year, the Texians used the cannon at the Battle of the Alamo. It was found buried near the present day intersection of Houston and Alamo streets.

Caliber: 16 pounder
Weight: 2,240 lbs
Length: 8'0.5"
Diameter of Bore: 5.25"
Donor: Lewis Maverick

Cannon Conservation

Conservation experts at Texas A&M University have restored the  Alamo's cannon.

In 2017, Alamo Trust, Inc. and Texas A&M University's Conservation Research Lab began restoring the Alamo cannon. Conservationists carefully removed decades of rust and dirt, then applied a tough, non-corrosive coating to protect the cannon from the elements and preserve them for future generations.