| In March 1977, excavations were conducted in front of Alamo Shrine
where flagstone paving was being replaced by the City of San Antonio. The
subsurface investigations sampled and described the soil stratigraphy which
has accumulated through 2.5 centuries of occupation. The distinctive soil
levels contained datable cultural materials which relate to some of the
major events which took place from the earliest settlement of Mission San
Antonio de Valero through subsequent periods of Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-Texan
occupations. The artifact collections have provided additional information
on the material culture of the different ethnic and cultural groups to
occupy the Alamo. During the excavations, a section of a trench was found
in which a palisade had been set prior to the battle of 1836. The trench
backfill contained numerous battle artifacts. Also a section of the old
street curb which once extended along the front of the Alamo was uncovered.
In addition, excavations in front of Alamo Shrine have provided an examination
of the old church foundation and footing. This was found to be in good
condition. |