America Unearthed Season 3 Episode 1 Secrets from the Alamo
- TV-PG
- November 8, 2014
- 42 min
-
5.9 (7)
In season 3, episode 1 of America Unearthed, host Scott Wolter sets out to uncover the secrets of the Alamo, the famous mission and fortress in San Antonio, Texas. Wolter travels to the Alamo itself and speaks with experts and researchers who have been studying the site for years. With their help, he begins to uncover new information about the history of the Alamo, including previously unknown facts about the battle that took place there in 1836.
Wolter starts his investigation with a trip to the cemetery where the bodies of the Alamo defenders are believed to have been buried. He speaks with a historian who explains that there is a legend surrounding the burial site: supposedly, the defenders' bodies were stacked up against the walls of the church and set on fire, so that the bones would be difficult to identify and the Mexicans could deny the defenders a proper burial. Wolter is skeptical of this story, but he uses his expertise as a forensic geologist to examine the soil beneath the surface and look for any evidence of human remains.
Next, Wolter goes to the Alamo itself and speaks with the site's archaeologist, who has been studying the remains of the mission and other nearby buildings. Together, they explore a new find: a hidden room beneath one of the buildings that may have been used as a hospital during the battle. The room is believed to have been sealed up after the battle and forgotten about for years.
As he continues to investigate, Wolter discovers new information about the tactics used by the Mexican army during the battle. He learns that the Mexicans deployed a highly effective cannon called El Diabo, which was capable of firing a three-pound ball at a distance of over a mile. Wolter wonders whether this cannon might have been a decisive factor in the battle, and he sets out to learn more about El Diabo and whether it was truly as powerful as some have claimed.
Throughout the episode, Wolter also explores other potential secrets of the Alamo, including a possible underground escape tunnel and the mystery of how the defenders managed to survive for thirteen days against overwhelming odds. He speaks with experts in history, archaeology, and geology to try to piece together the answer to this question, and to learn more about the history of the Alamo and Texas.
Overall, season 3, episode 1 of America Unearthed is a fascinating exploration of one of America's most famous historical sites. With its mix of on-site exploration, expert interviews, and cutting-edge technology, this episode provides a novel and engaging look at the history of the Alamo and the battle that took place there. Whether you are an expert on the Alamo or simply a fan of history and mystery, this episode is sure to captivate and inform.