JUST IN: Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the marshes of Brunswick County, North Carolina, unearthing the remains of four historic shipwrecks, including the legendary Spanish vessel La Fortuna, which was attacked in 1748. This astonishing find, confirmed by researchers from East Carolina University, is poised to reshape our understanding of colonial maritime history.
Just two months into their excavation at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, researchers stumbled upon the wrecks while measuring colonial wharf timbers. Graduate student Cory van Hees and his dive partner noticed unusual structures emerging from the mud, prompting them to call in Dr. Jason Raupp, an expert in maritime studies. Dr. Raupp verified that the remnants indeed belonged to a shipwreck, likely identifying it as La Fortuna, the only documented Spanish shipwreck in the region.
The historical significance of these wrecks cannot be overstated. La Fortuna was reportedly destroyed during a local uprising amid the tumultuous times of King George’s War, when coastal life was fraught with danger. The discovery of wood samples from the wreck, specifically Monterey or Mexican cypress, further supports its Spanish origins, hinting at a rich colonial narrative.
In addition to La Fortuna, the team uncovered three other vessels, each adding to the area’s historical tapestry. One wreck was found adjacent to a colonial wharf, while another is thought to have been a flatboat used for transporting goods before the American Revolution. The fate of the last wreck remains a mystery, but its presence contributes to the understanding of the region’s maritime past.
The team also found evidence of colonial waterfront infrastructure, including wharves and docks, indicating that BTFA was once a bustling 18th-century port. However, this remarkable discovery comes with a pressing challenge: the newly revealed shipwrecks are now at risk. The exposure to natural elements such as tides and storms threatens to erode these historical sites.
Researchers swiftly documented the finds and transported over 40 timbers from the suspected La Fortuna back to their lab for preservation, ensuring that this piece of history does not vanish.
The urgency of this situation is palpable, as nature poses an immediate threat to the wrecks. Officials are racing against time to safeguard these maritime treasures. As the world watches, the unearthing of these vessels reminds us that history cannot remain hidden forever.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as experts work to preserve the legacy of these ships and what they reveal about our past. This discovery is not just a significant archaeological event but a poignant reminder of the lives and stories intertwined with North Carolina’s rich history.
