Discovery of Four Shipwrecks, Including 1748 Spanish Privateer Ship, at North Carolina Historical Site

Archaeologists from East Carolina University made a remarkable discovery at the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The team uncovered the remains of four shipwrecks, one of which is believed to be the wreckage of a 1748 Spanish privateer ship.

The Spanish privateer ship, possibly named La Fortuna, is thought to have exploded near the colonial wharves during an attack at the end of King George’s War in September 1748. This discovery sheds light on a significant historical event and provides valuable insights into maritime history in the region.

The location of the shipwreck is in close proximity to where an 18th-century cannon, believed to be from La Fortuna, was previously found in 1985. Over 40 pieces of timber, suspected to be part of the Spanish privateer ship, were collected as part of an emergency recovery effort to preserve the remains from erosion and other threats.

Specialized tests conducted on the recovered timber revealed that it was either Monterey Cypress or Mexican Cypress, indicating that shipbuilders in the 18th century utilized raw materials from Spanish Caribbean colonies. The well-preserved timbers also displayed tool markings, providing valuable clues about the construction techniques of that era.

The timber fragments collected during the excavation were transported to the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology’s Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Laboratory at ECU’s campus in Greenville for storage and conservation. Dr. Jason Raupp, Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Maritime Studies, emphasized the importance of this discovery in documenting heritage at risk and showcasing the collaborative efforts of the research team.

This significant find not only adds to the historical significance of the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site but also highlights the maritime heritage of the region. The discovery of the Spanish privateer shipwreck offers a glimpse into the past and underscores the importance of preserving and studying maritime artifacts for future generations.