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by Roger C. Smith (Editor)
In 1559, Spanish explorer Tristán de Luna led a fleet of ships from Mexico to Pensacola Bay to settle the Florida frontier for the Kingdom of Spain. But a hurricane struck soon after his arrival, destroying the small colony and sinking six of his ships. Few significant remains were uncovered for more than 400 years-until a ship was found underwater off Emanuel Point in modern-day Pensacola.
Florida’s Lost Galleon documents the groundbreaking discovery of the earliest shipwreck found in Florida. Underwater archaeologists describe how they explored the ship’s hull and recorded it carefully in order to reconstruct the original vessel and its last mission. They take readers into the laboratory, where they explain how the waterlogged objects they uncovered were analyzed and prepared for public display. The story of the ill-fated colony unfolds as they discuss the large amount of surprisingly well-preserved Spanish colonial artifacts, including armor, ammunition, plant and animal remains, and wooden and metal tools.
The excavation of the Emanuel Point shipwreck was driven by the enthusiasm and support of local volunteers, and this volume highlights the importance of such public archaeology projects. Florida’s Lost Galleon invites readers to experience the exciting world of marine archaeology as it opens up a forgotten chapter in American history.
Contributors: Elizabeth D. Benchley John R. Bratten Gregory Cook Joseph Cozzi Della Scott-Ireton KC Smith Roger C. Smith James D. Spirek John E. Worth
Author Biography
Roger C. Smith (1949-2020) served as state underwater archaeologist for the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research for three decades. He is the author of Vanguard of Empire: Ships of Exploration in the Age of Columbus and The Maritime Heritage of the Cayman Islands, coauthor of An Atlas of Maritime Florida, and editor of Submerged History: Underwater Archaeology in Florida.
Contributors: Elizabeth D. Benchley John R. Bratten Gregory Cook Joseph Cozzi Della Scott-Ireton KC Smith Roger C. Smith James D. Spirek John E. Worth
Number of Pages: 320 Dimensions: 0.72 x 9 x 6 IN Publication Date: March 31, 2026
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