During excavation for San Antonio Zoo’s new gorilla habitat Congo Falls and The Ralston, large amounts of limestone were unearthed.
SAN ANTONIO — On the 189th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, even more history was announced related to the iconic landmark.
A discovery has confirmed the exact quarry that provided the limestone to build the Alamo, which solves a mystery about the origins of the historical mission.
During excavation for San Antonio Zoo’s new gorilla habitat Congo Falls and The Ralston, large amounts of limestone were unearthed. This prompted further investigation, and with extensive geological testing and historical research, experts made a discovery.
They have verified the quarry, located on the far west side of San Antonio Zoo, was a primary source of stone used in the 1700s to build the Alamo Church and other San Antonio historic structures.
“This discovery deepens our understanding of the Alamo’s origins and reinforces the strong historic ties between our city’s landmarks,” said Dr. Kate Rogers, executive director of the Alamo Trust, Inc. “For the first time, we can say with confidence that this quarry, now part of the San Antonio Zoo, supplied the materials that built one of the most recognized historical sites in the United States.”
The Alamo was constructed using locally sourced limestone. Confirming this quarry’s location helps a link to the materials that shaped the Alamo City’s “historic built environment.”
“The San Antonio Zoo, which has been a part of our community for over a century, is honored to play a role in uncovering this important piece of Texas and world history,” said Tim Morrow, President and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo.
The connection was verified when Highbridge Materials Consulting, Inc. conducted an analysis. They compared limestone samples from the Alamo’s structure to the layers excavated at the Zoo site, confirming the composition matches the materials used in the original construction of the Alamo Church.
The Alamo is currently undergoing a $550 million redevelopment set to be completed in 2027.
In addition, hundreds gathered at the Alamo Thursday to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for Texas’ independence.