BREAKING: Archaeologists have unearthed four historically significant shipwrecks in the marshes of Brunswick County, North Carolina, including the famed Spanish vessel, La Fortuna, which was attacked in 1748. This remarkable discovery, made by researchers from East Carolina University, offers a rare glimpse into the region’s colonial maritime history.
The team of archaeologists made this urgent find over the past two months at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site (BTFA). Their work not only highlights the historical importance of these shipwrecks but also raises immediate concerns about their preservation due to environmental threats.
Among the wrecks, La Fortuna stands out as the only documented Spanish shipwreck in the area. Historical accounts suggest it was destroyed during a local uprising amidst the turmoil of King George’s War. The discovery of Monterey or Mexican cypress wood from the wreckage suggests its origins trace back to Spanish colonial times.
Graduate student Cory van Hees and his dive partner initially stumbled upon this treasure while measuring colonial wharf timbers. They noticed perfectly structured planks emerging from the mud, prompting them to contact Dr. Jason Raupp, an assistant professor in the Department of History and maritime studies. His confirmation that they had indeed discovered a shipwreck, likely La Fortuna, has sent ripples through the archaeological community.
The other three wrecks, while less glamorous, are still rich in historical context. One is located near a colonial wharf, another appears to have been a flatboat used for transporting goods before the American Revolution, and the final wreck remains a mystery to researchers.
These findings extend beyond shipwrecks; the team also uncovered colonial waterfront infrastructure, including wharves and docks, indicating that BTFA was once a bustling 18th-century port.
However, this sudden exposure of these archaeological sites comes with significant risks. The shipwrecks are now vulnerable to erosion from tides and storms, prompting the team to act quickly. They managed to document their findings and retrieve over 40 timbers from La Fortuna, transporting them back to the lab for preservation.
As experts continue to study these significant finds, the urgency to protect them grows. This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between revealing history and ensuring its survival.
Stay tuned for updates as more information emerges about these shipwrecks and the ongoing efforts to preserve this critical piece of North Carolina’s history.
