Tucson Archeologist Rewrites AZ History

On Saturday July 18, 2026, the Rio Rico Historical Society will introduce a rare artifact copy at the Rio Rico History Museum. Left behind by the 1539-42 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado expedition was a 42-inch bronze cannon unearthed in east Rio Rico by Tucson archeologist Deni Seymour, PhD. On display will be a steel replica of the 40-lb weapon. Its discovery establishes the location of the long-lost settlement of Suya and rewrites the recorded prehistory of the Southwest. It is believed to be the oldest armament in the United States. Dr. Seymour will be present to tell the story of her decades-long quest and the stunning archeological significance of her find.

On July 18, the museum doors will open at 9:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. and Dr. Seymour will speak at 10:00 a.m. For background, check out the free, one-hour 2024 PBS program: www.pbs.org/show/coronado-the-new-evidence

Photo caption: Shortly after her discovery in 2020 and declaring it to be one of several cannons Francisco Coronado brought with him on his expedition, Dr. Seymour displays her find to colleagues.