Researchers have uncovered what they believe to be the oldest firearm ever found on the continental United States—a bronze wall gun connected to the historic expedition of Spanish conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado.
The firearm was discovered at a site in southern Arizona linked to Coronado’s expedition, which took place between 1540 and 1542. This early European mission aimed to locate the mythical Seven Cities of Cíbola, covering what are now Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Involving up to 2,800 participants, including soldiers, Indigenous allies, and slaves, the expedition was one of the first major incursions by Europeans into the American Southwest.
Lead researcher Deni Seymour described the wall gun as a “pristine historical specimen.” The cannon, weighing about 40 pounds and measuring 42 inches in length, reflects firearm designs from the mid-to-late 1400s. Though considered outdated by the time of the expedition, its lightweight and versatile design made it ideal for Coronado’s soldiers. Researchers note that the firearm was likely used to breach fortifications or repel enemies, with its adaptability allowing it to be fired from various positions, such as over a saddle or from a tripod.
The artifact was found remarkably well-preserved on the floor of an eroded Spanish structure at the site known as Suya or San Geronimo (III). Its near-pristine condition is attributed to the unique environmental conditions at the site, which minimized corrosion over nearly 480 years. The firearm, confirmed to have been used around 1541, may have been manufactured in Mexico or the Caribbean rather than Spain, adding another layer of historical intrigue.
While Coronado’s expedition ultimately failed to locate the fabled riches and faced resistance from Indigenous groups, this find highlights the lasting impact of early European exploration in North America.
The discovery, detailed in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, is hailed as one of the most significant artifacts from the era.
