Continuing dig reveals possible signs of the Alamo’s main gate

Archeologist work on one of two sites following a briefing on the current status of a new archeological dig at The Alamo in San Antonio, on Thursday, August 4, 2016. The project seeks to discover additional boundary lines and walls that will contribute to The Alamo's overall historical narrative. less Archeologist work on one of two sites following a briefing on the current status of a new archeological dig at The Alamo in San Antonio, on Thursday, August 4, 2016. The project seeks to discover additional ... more Photo: BRITTANY GREESON, San Antonio Express-News Photo: BRITTANY GREESON, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Continuing dig reveals possible signs of the Alamo’s main gate 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

A formation of stones unearthed in Alamo Plaza may be part of a 1700s construction associated with the main gate of the Mission San Antonio Valero and 1836 battle compound.

“We have uncovered something that we are tentatively identifying as an architectural feature. We’ve got stone that has been placed in what appears to be a trench that would have been excavated,” possibly as a “footer” for a Spanish colonial structure, lead investigator Nesta Anderson told reporters Thursday morning.

The discovery was made Wednesday at the second excavation site in the plaza, near the likely location of the Alamo’s south wall. Archaeologists had earlier found an adobe brick formation an a nearby excavation site that may have been part of the compound’s west wall.

The archaeological work, now in it third week and likely to continue for two more weeks, will support a long-range master plan for the Alamo area, including the city-owned plaza and adjacent federal and private property.

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, whose General Land Office oversees the state-owned Alamo complex, said while stopping for a tour of the archaeological sites that the painstaking, thorough work will help enlarge the area of focus for visitors and enliven the 300-year story of the Alamo.

“The rest of the world is looking, so we’ve got to make sure we’re doing it right,” Bush said.

Read more about the digs and the Alamo master plan at ExpressNews.com or in Friday’s San Antonio Express-News.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA