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Oldest US firearm unearthed in Arizona, a bronze cannon linked to Coronado expedition

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2024-11-26 11:30:15

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Independent researchers in Arizona have unearthed a bronze cannon linked to the Vázquez de Coronado expedition, making it the oldest firearm ever found in the continental United States. The discovery sheds new light on the artillery used during the 1539–1542 expedition into the American Southwest.

In the early 16th century, reports of wealthy cities north of Mexico sparked Spanish interest in further exploration. Inspired by the accounts of past conquistador raids and tales of the Seven Cities of Cíbola relayed by Fray Marcos de Niza, Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza organized an expedition led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in 1539.

Coronado, who mortgaged his wife's possessions and borrowed heavily for the excursion, went in search of these legendary cities in hopes of stealing gold and precious stones, claiming land and enslaving large populations for forced labor.