The possibility that a legendary gold treasure could be buried by the Alamo is remote, the city's top historic preservation officer said Saturday.

"I've never heard anything like this and the Spaniards, who searched for the treasure for years, never found it," Pat Osborne said.

At least one man,Vietnam veteran Frank Buschbacher, contends Alamo defender James Bowie found the treasure and buried it in tunnels surrounding the well on the grounds of the Alamo.

Bowie searched for the Spanish mine, also known as the Lost Bowie Mine, in the area surrounding the San Saba River.

Buschbacher, who believes Bowie found the treasure and brought it to the Alamo, wants to excavate the site.

Osborne said Buschbacher came to her office several times and told her he was interested in looking for the original wellat the Alamo.

"He never said anything about looking for buried treasure,"Osborne said.