This is one of the greatest treasure hunts in HIstorical Archeology, a debate which raged in the field among experts for almost 300 years, solved only in1996 when the site of LaSalles's fort was finally confirmed by the discovery of these 17th Century cannons. The Museum of the Coastal Bend is unfortunately one of Texas best kept secrets, because of its purpose, collection and historical preservation. Dr. Para and the Director Sue Prudhomme are doing a fantastic job of telling the little-known history of the region. Can't wait to see their new exhibit on the Origin of Texas Ranching, which occurred in this area with the Spanish missions along the San Antonio River. Congratulations to all!
This is why I enjoy re-enacting and history in general when I see artifacts being found it shows us not just in history books but here we have the real cannons. What a awsome find. Thank you Wild West Association for sharing with us.
I live near where they were dug up. I have been told how they were “discovered”…by a few of the local ranchers and what she said is no where near what the locals say. I have been told that the owner of the ranch KNEW exactly where they were but wanted it kept secret. The foreman of the ranch “discovered” them while digging a pvc water line and leaked it to the press. The owner subsequently fired him. How much of that is true…🤷🏼♂️…but that is the local scuttlebutt.
Her reaction when you asked her the question tells the real story. And then her explanation seems like the one she has been told to use. The ranch where they were dug is the same one Ft Saint Louis is thought to be on so those Spaniards didn’t drag them far and it is easy to see why.
How do you compensate the rancher that was in possession? I know that many people would, out of the sense of duty to Texas history, might would donate the pieces. But if they don't want to part with them, how do you bargain for these.
This is one of the greatest treasure hunts in HIstorical Archeology, a debate which raged in the field among experts for almost 300 years, solved only in1996 when the site of LaSalles's fort was finally confirmed by the discovery of these 17th Century cannons. The Museum of the Coastal Bend is unfortunately one of Texas best kept secrets, because of its purpose, collection and historical preservation. Dr. Para and the Director Sue Prudhomme are doing a fantastic job of telling the little-known history of the region. Can't wait to see their new exhibit on the Origin of Texas Ranching, which occurred in this area with the Spanish missions along the San Antonio River. Congratulations to all!
Damn, that was too short. Great video
This is why I enjoy re-enacting and history in general when I see artifacts being found it shows us not just in history books but here we have the real cannons. What a awsome find. Thank you Wild West Association for sharing with us.
Thanks for the story !
Wow, cool.
I live near where they were dug up. I have been told how they were “discovered”…by a few of the local ranchers and what she said is no where near what the locals say.
I have been told that the owner of the ranch KNEW exactly where they were but wanted it kept secret. The foreman of the ranch “discovered” them while digging a pvc water line and leaked it to the press. The owner subsequently fired him. How much of that is true…🤷🏼♂️…but that is the local scuttlebutt.
I also heard it was from excavating.
Her reaction when you asked her the question tells the real story. And then her explanation seems like the one she has been told to use.
The ranch where they were dug is the same one Ft Saint Louis is thought to be on so those Spaniards didn’t drag them far and it is easy to see why.
If they could only find the twin sisters of San Jacinto
How do you compensate the rancher that was in possession? I know that many people would, out of the sense of duty to Texas history, might would donate the pieces. But if they don't want to part with them, how do you bargain for these.
I am not sure how the law reads, but the State of Texas owns them.
'' ...and they came across the ocean '....? FROM where ? England, France, Spain ?.....
The French (under LaSalle) brought the cannons with them, and they used the cannons to defend their fort after it was built
LaSalle was French. More info here: www.texasbeyondhistory.net/stlouis/