39. Famous Florida Shipwrecks

In the early days of Florida, Spain began taking the riches from the Aztec and Incan Empires to Europe. Following the Trade Winds back to Spain, these silver and gold laden treasure ships sailed along the Florida coastline. Many of these ships were wrecked due to hurricanes, coastal reefs and pirates, giving the Atlantic east coast of Florida the name “Treasure Coast”.  It is a regular occurrence for coins and artifacts to wash up on Florida beaches, especially during a hurricane. 

During September a hurricane wrecked the 1565 French Fleet of 5 ships that were sent to support the French colony at Fort Caroline, near Jacksonville. One of the wrecked ships was the French flagship, the La Trinité, was located off Cape Canaveral in 2016.

The 1622 Tierra Firme Fleet, including the Atocha and Santa Margarita, sailed from South America heading home to Spain. The fleet of 27 ships had a cargo estimated at more than $250 million to include silver, gold, emeralds and pearls.  On the 5th of September the fleet found itself being overtaken by a hurricane as it entered the Florida Straits and wrecked. In 1985 the Atocha was found by salvager Mel Fisher.  

The 1715 Treasure Fleet sunk in July of 1715. 11 of  the 12 Spanish ships sailing from Havana to Spain were wrecked by a violent hurricane. The debris was scattered from St Lucie to Cape Canaveral. More than 1,500 seamen drowned. More than $100 million worth of treasure sank to the bottom of the ocean.  

The 1733 Nueva Espana Fleet was one of the last treasure fleets to cross the Atlantic Ocean. In July of 1733 the ships left Havana on the return to Spain. The fleet consisted of 3 armed galleons and 18 merchant ships filled with tanned hides, rare spices, precious jewels, silver and gold. During a large hurricane the ships were grounded and scattered over 80 miles in the Florida Keys. Many are still missing.

On this stop keep in mind that there is treasure yet to be found in the waters off this museum, since many of the ships have never been found.  Within the Shipwreck Room view coins and other artifacts from authentic Florida shipwrecks.  Also, before you leave the Shipwreck Room, locate the Florida Keys Shipwreck Map, at the Captains Table, and see if you can identify famous wrecks.