3 Bodies Discovered at the Alamo During Archaeological Exploration

On December 13, 2019, the Alamo Mission Archaeological Advisory Committee and the Texas General Land Office (TGLO) released statements following the discovery of three bodies during archeological exploration of the nave of the Alamo Church and monk burial room at the Alamo. The archaeological exploration was being completed for the purpose of installing moisture monitoring equipment in and around Alamo Church and Long Barrack.

Photo: Wikimedia/User:Rei

According to reports, the bodies that were discovered appear to be those of a large adult, and infant, and either a teenager or younger adult. They were found over the course of the archeological project taking place in San Antonio with the duo purpose of documenting the foundations of these structures (now three centuries old) and exploring for future management and maintenance owing to moisture. The TGLO stated, “Monitoring equipment will allow experts to understand what elements are impacting the sole remaining structures from the Battle of the Alamo and to develop a restoration plan that ensures these buildings remain standing for future generations of Texans to learn from and enjoy.” The remains have not been moved. Press releases by the Alamo Mission Archaeological Advisory Committee and the TGLO revealed that upon their discovery, a human remains protocol was initiated, including halting of all excavation. It was also noted by the TGLO in their statement that as they move forward “the GLO and Alamo Trust, Inc. will continue to follow all applicable laws and procedures.”

Photo: Wikimedia/Nuggehalli2015

The original Alamo mission was founded in 1718, although in modern-day terms, it’s become most famed for being the site of the epic 1836 battle in the course of the Texas Revolution. This isn’t the first time that human remains have been discovered at the site as a result of archaeological work. Hence the protocol that was previously mentioned and had been put into place prior to this exploratory work. According to the release by the TGLO, in both 1989 and 1995 bodies were discovered at the Alamo. Further to that, a plaque had been placed in the Alamo Church in 1937 about the reinternment of remains. Throughout this process, the TGLO has reassured the public that it will file all of the appropriate paperwork in its efforts in moving forward properly at this Texas Hill Country historic site.