Researchers in Arizona discovered what they say is the oldest firearm in the continental United States. The gun was believed to be made nearly five centuries ago.
The discovery of the bronze cannon — or wall gun — came in 2020 while researchers in southern Arizona were studying the Vázquez de Coronado expedition.
It was found inside a Spanish stone-and-adobe structure near the Santa Cruz River.
Independent researcher Deni Seymour says specific scientific methods helped in determining the artifact’s age.
“And so there was a piece of charcoal on the floor and we dated that — radio carbon dating — and then there was an unusual potsherd resting on the floor that I dated with luminescence dating," she said.
She also noted some interesting characteristics of the firearm.
“You can tell that it was not made in a foundry in Spain because it's crude. They didn't finish the pan. It's not dished out, so it wouldn't hold the powder in place very well," she said.
Seymour says the item shows evidence of a battle that occurred in the Spanish settlement of San Geronimo III.
The firearm will eventually be turned over to the Arizona State Museum.
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The first of its kind in the Grand Canyon State, the museum was created to share the history of the game in Arizona through photographs, memorabilia, alternating exhibitions and personal stories.
