A groundbreaking archaeological discovery in Arizona has brought to light a 480-year-old bronze wall gun, believed to be the oldest firearm found in the continental United States.

The artifact, linked to Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's 16th-century expedition, provides an unprecedented glimpse into early European exploration in the American Southwest, as Fox News reports.

The firearm, unearthed in 2020 at the site of a Spanish settlement along the Santa Cruz River, has been directly connected to Coronado’s journey from 1539 to 1542. This expedition was launched in search of the fabled "Seven Cities of Cíbola," a pursuit that instead led to the exploration of the Grand Canyon and interactions with Native American communities.

Bronze Wall Gun Found Intact

Researchers discovered the firearm at the settlement of San Geronimo III. The gun, measuring 42 inches in length and weighing 40 pounds, was located on the floor of a stone-and-adobe structure that had been buried for centuries.

Advanced dating methods, including radiocarbon analysis and optically stimulated luminescence, confirmed the firearm's age, placing it squarely within the time frame of Coronado's expedition. This marks the first firearm ever found to be definitively associated with his journey.

Believed to have been cast in Mexico or the Caribbean, the wall gun's design is simple yet effective for its era. It was intended for defense and could launch lead projectiles over distances of 700 yards when mounted on a tripod. Notably, it was discovered unloaded, with no evidence suggesting it had been fired.

Clues Point to Settlement's Rapid Abandonment

Archaeologists have pieced together a narrative of the settlement's rapid abandonment. The firearm, along with other artifacts, was found in what appeared to be an eroded Spanish structure, offering hints of a hurried retreat.

"This final blow seems to be the precipitating event that led to the abandonment of the wall gun, where it remained snugly encased in an eroded Spanish adobe-and-rock-walled structure for 480 years," researchers explained in their study.

Accompanying the gun were remnants of broken swords, daggers, fishhooks, and clothing fasteners, painting a vivid picture of life and struggle at the site. These artifacts further enrich the historical context of European expeditions into the New World.

Expedition Explained

Coronado’s expedition, which began in 1539, sought to uncover mythical cities of immense wealth. However, the search led to the discovery of natural landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon, and interactions with Native populations, rather than the treasures the explorers hoped to find.

The settlement of San Geronimo III was one of several temporary encampments established during the expedition. Despite their fleeting nature, these sites played critical roles in the Spanish effort to map and claim territory in the American Southwest.

Researchers have noted that the firearm's preservation in this particular location underscores the volatility and challenges faced by Coronado and his men as they navigated unfamiliar and often hostile terrain.

Study Highlights Historical Significance

The discovery was officially reported on Nov. 21 in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, drawing international attention to its historical significance. Dr. Deni J. Seymour and colleagues emphasized the unique nature of the find in their report.

"This wall gun is the first gun known to be associated with the Coronado expedition and is the oldest firearm ever found within the continental USA," the researchers wrote. They added that the firearm could also be the oldest known cannon on the continent.

Additional research is planned to analyze the firearm further, along with other artifacts from the site, to gain deeper insights into the lives and experiences of the expedition members.

Artifact Opens Window to Past

The firearm's design and construction offer clues about the technological capabilities of the period. Its probable origins in Mexico or the Caribbean reflect the interconnected nature of Spanish colonial endeavors during the 16th century.

Despite its age, the wall gun’s condition has enabled researchers to learn much about its intended use and the context in which it was abandoned. The artifact serves as a tangible link to a pivotal moment in North American history.

As archaeologists continue to study this extraordinary find, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Coronado’s expedition and the complex history of European exploration in the Americas.