“There were three locations of Mission San Antonio de Valero,” said Kay Hindes, city archaeologist. 
 
 SAN ANTONIO - Archaeologists are revealing the location of the site where they believe San Antonio's first mission once stood, saying the Alamo had two predecessors. 
 
 "There were three locations of Mission San Antonio de Valero," said Kay Hindes, city archaeologist. 
 
 She says the first site is likely somewhere near the Christopher Columbus Italian Society near I-10 and I-35. It was founded in 1718. 
 
 "They were only here about a year, so it was a very short-lived site," she said. 
 
 It's unclear why the mission was moved, possibly to the La Villita area. A hurricane hit in 1724, and then came the Alamo. 
 
 "Most people don't realize there are three locations," Hindes said. "Mission San Jose also had three locations." 
 
 Hindes recovered artifacts, including pottery, beads and nails, not far from the Italian Society. Some of the items were buried, but she saw others that were on the ground, eroding but visible 300 years later. 
 
 "I looked down and started seeing the metal and I literally, really, I just had to sit down on the ground," she said, "because I was like 'This is too incredible.'" 
 
 Councilman Roberto Treviño was working on an architectural project in the area when he got involved with the effort to unearth the history. 
 
 "This is historic for the Italian buildings that are here," he said, "but underneath that is the original San Antonio de Valero. That's an extra layer of history." 
 
 Treviño added historians have been searching for the site for a hundred years. 
 
 "People traveled thousands of miles from central Mexico up here, by foot, by the way, to find the site, to establish the site," he said. 
 
 Hindes said the artifacts date to the correct time period, and written records as well as topography point to the Italian Society as being the location of the Alamo's predecessor. 
 
 "We don't know for sure, but we hypothesize that probably they would have put the mission at the highest point," Hindes said. 
 
 Treviño said a plaque at the Alamo states the mission was founded in 1718, rather than 1724. "It's actually incorrect, but we're setting the record straight." ||||| Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation Image 1 of / 95 Caption Close 
 
 Image 1 of 95 Researchers dug several holes to look for artifacts. Researchers dug several holes to look for artifacts. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 2 of 95 Lead glazed sherds encountered at the site. From left to right: a) Unknown Sandy Paste, b-c) Galera, d) Olive Jar, e) Yellow Glaze, f) Unknown, g) Green Lead Glaze (molcajete). Lead glazed sherds encountered at the site. From left to right: a) Unknown Sandy Paste, b-c) Galera, d) Olive Jar, e) Yellow Glaze, f) Unknown, g) Green Lead Glaze (molcajete). Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 3 of 95 Possible forged nails recovered at the site. Possible forged nails recovered at the site. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 4 of 95 Buttons recovered during the excavations: a) Six shell buttons, b) Bone button, c) Cuprous loop shank, d) Seven porcelain buttons. Buttons recovered during the excavations: a) Six shell buttons, b) Bone button, c) Cuprous loop shank, d) Seven porcelain buttons. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
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 Image 6 of 95 Here are several axe heads found at the site. Here are several axe heads found at the site. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 7 of 95 Metal objects recovered at the site: a) Spike, b) Door Knob, c) Buckle fragment, d) unidentified lead fragment, and e) lead plate. Metal objects recovered at the site: a) Spike, b) Door Knob, c) Buckle fragment, d) unidentified lead fragment, and e) lead plate. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 8 of 95 Nineteenth to twentieth century ceramics: a-b) Handpainted, c) Cut Sponge, d) Handpainted, e-f) Cut Sponge, g) Transfer (red), h) Yellowware, i) Transfer, j-k) Gilded Flow Blue. Nineteenth to twentieth century ceramics: a-b) Handpainted, c) Cut Sponge, d) Handpainted, e-f) Cut Sponge, g) Transfer (red), h) Yellowware, i) Transfer, j-k) Gilded Flow Blue. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 9 of 95 Toys recovered from the project area. From left to right: a) Porcelain Frozen Charlotte fragment, b) Porcelain doll head fragment, c) Monopoly token, d) Bone die. Toys recovered from the project area. From left to right: a) Porcelain Frozen Charlotte fragment, b) Porcelain doll head fragment, c) Monopoly token, d) Bone die. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
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 Image 11 of 95 Three marbles collected at the site. From right to left: a) blue glass, b) glazed China, c) unglazed China. Three marbles collected at the site. From right to left: a) blue glass, b) glazed China, c) unglazed China. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 12 of 95 An overview map of the area where the historical finds were found. An overview map of the area where the historical finds were found. Photo: Courtesy/Office Of Historic Preservation 
 
 Image 13 of 95 Take a look at some of the cool antique items found by the San Antonio Metal Detector Club. Take a look at some of the cool antique items found by the San Antonio Metal Detector Club. 
 
 Image 14 of 95 The club's president, Brian Harrin, found this ring along with his brother in 2008 at the Rockport beach. The ring was appraised and found to be valued at $11,000. The club's president, Brian Harrin, found this ring along with his brother in 2008 at the Rockport beach. The ring was appraised and found to be valued at $11,000. Photo: Courtesy Photo 
 
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 Image 16 of 95 This Colt Model 3 .41-caliber Rimfire Derringer is believed to have originated between 1863-1870. This Colt Model 3 .41-caliber Rimfire Derringer is believed to have originated between 1863-1870. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 17 of 95 This mechanism might have been part of an antique clock. This mechanism might have been part of an antique clock. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 18 of 95 One hunter found numerous lead figures, rings, old clock keys and a whistle. One hunter found numerous lead figures, rings, old clock keys and a whistle. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 19 of 95 These two golf rings a believed to have an estimated value of at least $14,000, according to the club's president. These two golf rings a believed to have an estimated value of at least $14,000, according to the club's president. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 21 of 95 This is Mexican currency for 10 pesos, dated back to 1976. This is Mexican currency for 10 pesos, dated back to 1976. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 22 of 95 At the top are two early 1900s "Merry Widows" Condom Tins, pistol balls, marbles, vintage toy that was from Woolworth's in the 1930s, Henry Rifle Shell casing, Sterling Silver clasp, clock key, heel plate for boots, late 1800s lighter at top right found in Helena, Texas. less At the top are two early 1900s "Merry Widows" Condom Tins, pistol balls, marbles, vintage toy that was from Woolworth's in the 1930s, Henry Rifle Shell casing, Sterling Silver clasp, clock key, heel plate for ... more Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 23 of 95 This Chinese cash coinc is circa 1875-1908 and was found in Helena, Texas. It gives proof that some Chinese workers were present on the railroad in the late 1800s. This Chinese cash coinc is circa 1875-1908 and was found in Helena, Texas. It gives proof that some Chinese workers were present on the railroad in the late 1800s. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 24 of 95 This Magic Pocket Lamp, which was an early lighter from the 1880s, was found during a trip to Helena, Texas. Next to it is a safe plate from a 500-pound safe circa 1850s. This Magic Pocket Lamp, which was an early lighter from the 1880s, was found during a trip to Helena, Texas. Next to it is a safe plate from a 500-pound safe circa 1850s. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 26 of 95 Here you can get an up-close look at an old TootsieToy die-cast Triumph TR3 toy car. Here you can get an up-close look at an old TootsieToy die-cast Triumph TR3 toy car. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 27 of 95 Sterling silver crosses can be a common find for metal detectors. Sterling silver crosses can be a common find for metal detectors. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 28 of 95 This collection includes James Avery silver bracelet, wheat pennies, Franklin silver half dollar, Mercury dimes, and old toy car. This collection includes James Avery silver bracelet, wheat pennies, Franklin silver half dollar, Mercury dimes, and old toy car. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 29 of 95 Silver rings are commonly found by metal detectors, as well. Silver rings are commonly found by metal detectors, as well. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 31 of 95 One member of the Metal Detector Club found this antique pocket knife during a hunt. One member of the Metal Detector Club found this antique pocket knife during a hunt. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 32 of 95 This ring has a figure set into the center and is likely very old. This ring has a figure set into the center and is likely very old. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 33 of 95 Here's a Boy Scouts of America neckerchief slide dated back to the 1950s. Here's a Boy Scouts of America neckerchief slide dated back to the 1950s. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 34 of 95 This antique ring is missing a stone in the center. This antique ring is missing a stone in the center. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 36 of 95 As you can see, old Tootsie toy cars are a common find. As you can see, old Tootsie toy cars are a common find. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 37 of 95 This 1838 US Small Stars Dime was found in Helena, Texas. It was minted just two years after the Battle of the Alamo! This 1838 US Small Stars Dime was found in Helena, Texas. It was minted just two years after the Battle of the Alamo! Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 38 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 39 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 41 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 42 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 43 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 44 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 46 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 47 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 48 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 49 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 51 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 52 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 53 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 54 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 56 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 57 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 58 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 59 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 61 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 62 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 63 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 64 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 66 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 67 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 68 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 69 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 71 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 72 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 73 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 74 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 76 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 77 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 78 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 79 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 81 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 82 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 83 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 84 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 86 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 87 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 88 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 89 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
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 Image 91 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 92 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 93 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Tyler White/SAEN 
 
 Image 94 of 95 The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. The San Antonio Metal Detector Club has found numerous trinkets and coins on hunts in San Antonio and nearby towns and parks. Photo: Courtesy Photo
– Bet you don't remember the original Alamo. When the World Heritage site we know as the Alamo opened in San Antonio as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, it wasn't the first iteration of the mission. Archeologists now think it was initially founded at a different site in 1718, then moved about a mile away from 1719 until 1724, when a hurricane forced the mission to move a final time. And the researchers also believe that the earliest Alamo predecessor has been found. A three-year investigation at a parking lot, field, and courtyard owned by San Antonio's Christopher Columbus Italian Society has turned up artifacts that link the site to the mission, including pottery fragments, beads, hand-made nails, stone flakes, gun flints, colonial glass, and a grinding stone possibly dating to the early 18th century, reports the San Antonio Express-News. Some artifacts were even lying visible on the ground. "I looked down and started seeing the metal and I literally, really, I just had to sit down on the ground because I was like, 'This is too incredible,'" archaeologist Kay Hindes tells News 4 San Antonio. Topography and written records also suggest the original mission was located in the vicinity of the site. However, archaeologists couldn't definitively prove the site was the original. "What is missing from the site to confirm it 100% would be shreds of Puebla polychrome or San Luis polychrome, that we know in Texas those types of ceramics are not found on sites that postdate 1725," Hindes tells Texas Public Radio. But as "the site has been greatly impacted by 300 years worth of occupation and construction," Hindes notes, "the fact that we've found anything is truly miraculous." (This iconic Alamo letter recently returned home.)