Florida's Lost Galleon

The history and groundbreaking discovery of a 1559 shipwreck and an ill-fated early Florida colony

Honorable Mention, North American Society for Oceanic History John Lyman Book Award in the Naval and Maritime Science and Technology Category

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.