Archaeologist Deni Seymour made a groundbreaking discovery along the Santa Cruz River near Nogales, Arizona, in September 2020. She unearthed what is now recognized as the oldest gun in the continental United States—a cannon linked to the Coronado Expedition of 1540. This remarkable find lay hidden in a collapsed stone-and-adobe structure for nearly 500 years, according to chronometric dating techniques. The cannon's discovery not only sheds light on the historical expedition led by Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado but also alters our understanding of early European and Native American interactions in the region.
The Coronado Expedition embarked on its quest for riches and new lands in 1540, traveling from Mexico into areas that are now Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Seymour's exploration began in July 2020, as she searched for relics from this historical journey. Her efforts were rewarded when she stumbled upon the ancient cannon, originally forged in a foundry in either Mexico or the Caribbean. Despite its poor quality and lack of a maker's mark, this cannon holds significant historical value.
"I thought it was either a church bell, or a metal canister that perhaps – who knows – had a note in it or something." – Deni Seymour
The cannon was part of the armament associated with Captain Diego de Alcaraz's leadership during the expedition. Alcaraz's leadership was marred by cruelty and sadistic torture inflicted upon the local indigenous Sobaipuri O'odham. This violent history underlines the tense encounters between the Spanish explorers and the formidable O'odham opposition.
Seymour suggests that the O'odham likely launched a surprise attack at dawn, catching the Spanish explorers off guard. During this blitz attack, the cannon was abandoned and left unfired.
"We were aware at that moment of how important it was." – Deni Seymour
While examining the remnants of conflict, Seymour realized that the Spaniards were ill-prepared for such an assault. The urgency of their retreat left them with little more than the clothes on their backs.
"And if you're being overrun by hundreds of Natives, in this case the O'odham, then you're not necessarily going to have time to load a weapon like that." – Deni Seymour
"I guess they had the clothes on their back, barely." – Deni Seymour
The cannon's presence underscores the complex dynamics of power and resistance during these early encounters. Despite its substantial cost and intended use as a deterrent, it became a testament to the resilience of the indigenous peoples who resisted Spanish domination.
The abandoned cannon is just one piece of an intricate puzzle Seymour seeks to solve. Her ongoing excavations have uncovered 11 more sites between Nogales and the Gila River. These discoveries suggest that this region played a crucial role in the Coronado Expedition's initial contacts, far more significant than previously realized.
"What we're thinking is that they possibly did kind of a 'Hail Mary' type situation, overloaded it with powder and shot to try to keep from being overrun," – Deni Seymour
Seymour's findings challenge conventional narratives about the expedition, particularly regarding its scope and interactions with Native American communities. The expedition returned to Mexico in 1542 without achieving its goal of finding wealth, but its legacy endures through these archaeological revelations.
"When I show people this cannon,” she said, “they feel like they’re connecting to history.” – Deni Seymour
Seymour's work highlights the importance of acknowledging both historical triumphs and atrocities. By unearthing these relics and stories, she hopes to remind us to stand against injustice and recognize voices of sanity amidst past horrors.
"Because if we remember that, then we might be more likely ourselves to stand up against injustice." – Deni Seymour
"It’s important to highlight “voices of sanity in the midst of horrendous acts,” – Deni Seymour
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