Oldest Firearms Found in U.S. After Native American Battle

Two 16th-century cannons unearthed in Arizona may represent the oldest firearms ever discovered in the United States, according to new research.

The cannons were found at San Geronimo III (also known as Suya), a small settlement established by the Spanish over 480 years ago. These firearms, used to discharge gunpowder shots, were brought to the site during the 1540s Spanish expedition led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. The expedition, which aimed to find riches, a faster route to East Asia, and eventually enslave local populations, traversed what is now Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas from 1539 to 1542.

The Spanish conquistadors had already conquered large parts of Mesoamerica, including the Aztec and Inca civilizations, when they embarked on this journey. San Geronimo III was established in 1541, but the expedition faced fierce resistance from Native American groups. After a battle, the Spanish were forced to abandon the town, leaving behind the two cannons.

One of the cannons, discovered in 2020, remains in excellent condition, showing no signs of having been fired during the battle. There was no gunpowder residue found, suggesting that the cannon was not used in combat. The rapid unfolding of the battle likely prevented the Spanish from properly loading and firing it, according to study co-author Deni Seymour, an independent scholar leading research at the site.

The second cannon, found in March 2024, has been severely damaged, with its barrel blown off. This cannon was fired during the battle, and the blast likely resulted from overloading the cannon with gunpowder in an attempt to repel attacking forces. Seymour speculates that the Spanish may have tried to fire it in desperation as Native American forces overwhelmed them.

Both cannons are identified as hackbuts or hook guns, lightweight bronze cannons designed for easier transport across land. They were likely used to fire buckshot, which could contain up to 86 pellets per round. These pellets would have had a devastating impact on Native American attackers, whose light shields would have offered little protection. According to Seymour and co-author William Mapoles, even a single pellet could incapacitate an enemy, and the sheer volume of pellets would have created a “swarm of hornets” effect.

Archaeologists also found crossbow bolts made of copper and iron, along with the remains of swords, daggers, and armor from the expedition. Despite these weapons, the Spanish were ultimately defeated, and the mission failed. It wasn’t until the 1690s that the Spanish attempted to establish a lasting presence in the region.

Sharonah Fredrick, a College of Charleston instructor specializing in Spanish and Native American history, called the discovery “extremely important,” particularly in understanding the history of Native American resistance in Arizona. The cannons underscore the violent nature of the Spanish conquest, which prioritized military action over peaceful exploration.

Matthew Schmader, a researcher from the University of New Mexico, emphasized that the discovery highlights the organized resistance Native American groups mounted against European incursions from the outset. William Doolittle, a professor emeritus at the University of Texas, reminded us that at the time, the United States did not exist, and the land was inhabited by the Sobaipuri O’odham people, whose resistance played a significant role in shaping the region’s history.

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