The San Antonio Zoo has made a major find related to Texas history. While building a new gorilla habitat and an event center, workers uncovered large amounts of limestone. Experts have now confirmed that this stone was used to build the Alamo more than 300 years ago.

The quarry is located on the far west side of the zoo. Construction crews noticed thick layers of limestone that looked different from other rock in the area. They collected samples and sent them to specialists for tests. After these tests, the team found that this stone was the same as the limestone used for the Alamo Church and other old buildings in San Antonio.

On March 6, the zoo shared this news on Good Morning America. The date also marked the 189th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo. Dr. Kate Rogers, who is the head of the Alamo Trust, Inc., expressed her excitement. She said this discovery helps us learn more about the Alamo’s story and shows a strong link between two of San Antonio’s well-known places.

The Alamo began as Mission San Antonio de Valero in 1718 and was moved to its current spot in 1724. It is famous for the 1836 battle, which played a big role in Texas history. For years, people have wondered where the stone for the Alamo came from. Now we have a clear answer, thanks to the zoo’s construction work.

Tim Morrow, president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, said the zoo is proud to help reveal this part of Texas history. The zoo has served the community for over 100 years. Morrow believes this find shows that even as the city grows, new facts about our past can come to light.

The zoo plans to set up signs or displays near the quarry site. Visitors will be able to learn about the link between the stone and the Alamo. They hope it will spark interest in local history. They also hope it will lead to more research on the city’s early years.

At the same time, the Alamo is going through a big restoration. Workers are fixing the old church and the Long Barrack. They are also building a new museum and visitor center. This museum will hold items from British rock star Phil Collins’s personal Alamo collection. Collins has gathered documents, weapons, and other relics linked to the mission’s past. The entire project should be done by 2027.

Local leaders see this quarry as a fresh way to connect people with San Antonio’s past. It also proves that we can still discover new pieces of history even in modern times. The Alamo is a symbol of bravery and pride for many Texans. Now, thanks to the zoo’s work, we know more about its beginnings.

This limestone quarry reminds us that our city’s history is always around us. Every new building project can uncover hidden parts of our story. In this case, it revealed a direct link to a landmark that welcomes millions of visitors each year. 

It also shows how different parts of San Antonio are tied together, from a cherished zoo to a historic mission. The city’s past and present remain connected in surprising ways.