In a remarkable archaeological find, limestone excavated from a San Antonio Zoo construction site has been confirmed to match the limestone used in the construction of the Alamo during the 1700s. Recent tests conducted by a team from the Alamo Trust, Inc. have established this significant connection.

Discovery During Zoo Construction

The discovery originated when Pamela Jary Rosser, the Alamo’s Head Conservator, and her preservation team noticed the excavation work for a new gorilla habitat at the San Antonio Zoo. Given that historical records indicate the Alamo’s walls were built using limestone from a quarry located north of downtown San Antonio, the team speculated that the recently revealed stone might be a suitable match.

Confirmation of the Match

According to Kate Rogers, executive director of the Alamo Trust, Inc., three rounds of testing confirmed the limestone match. “This is a really important discovery,” Rogers stated in a video released by the trust. The significance of this finding extends beyond mere historical interest—it directly supports ongoing preservation efforts.

Collaboration and Community Impact

Tim Morrow, the president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, expressed pride in their role in revealing this piece of Texas history. “The San Antonio Zoo, which has been part of our community for over a century, is honored to play a role in uncovering this important piece of Texas and world history,” Morrow remarked in a recent news release.

Historical Context of the Alamo

Originally established as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718, the site known as the Alamo was relocated to its current location in 1724. The walls of the Alamo, like many local structures of the time, were built with limestone sourced from nearby quarries.

Ongoing Redevelopment and Future Preservation

This discovery arrives at a pivotal time, coinciding with a $550 million redevelopment project for the Alamo, set for completion in 2027. “The timing could not be better,” said Rogers, highlighting how the find aligns with ongoing preservation efforts. “As we start this preservation work, we are beginning to find voids where we need replacement stone. Now we have an accurate and authentic source for that stone.”