SITE OF SURVIVORS' AND SALVAGERS' CAMP THE 1715 FLEET
Posted by: 
JJsquared
N 27° 50.034 W 080° 26.055
17R E 555711 N 3078931
Quick Description: Historical sign at McLarty Museum, near Sebastian, Florida.
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/28/2006 2:08:36 PM
Waymark Code: WM104K
Views: 39
Long Description:
This historical marker reads: SITE OF SURVIVORS' AND SALVAGERS'
CAMP THE 1715 FLEET Late in July, 1715, a hurricane destroyed a
fleet of eleven or possibly twelve homeward bound merchant ships
carrying cargoes of gold and silver coinage and other valuable
items from the American colonies to Spain. About 1500 men, women,
and children who survived the disaster and reached the shore made
their camp along the barrier island near the place where the
fleet's flagship had sunk. Governor General Corcoles sent a relief
party composed chiefly of Indian auxiliaries from St. Augustine to
provide subsistence for the survivors. These auxiliaries also gave
protection and aid to the salvagers who used the campsite while
working to recover the valuable cargo from the sunken vessels.
Archaeological work at the site revealed that the salvagers seem to
have erected some temporary structures for use as storehouses for
the recovered gold and silver. While the salvage operation was in
process, Henry Jennings, an English pirate, sailed to the site,
drove off the guards and seized a large quantity of the recovered
coins which he carried away to Port Royal, Jamaica. But the great
majority of the treasure was safely regained and moved to Havana by
the Spanish salvagers. Sponsored by the Treasure Coast Chapter
NSDAR in cooperation with Department of State F222
Marker Number: F222
Date: 11/28/06
County: Indian River
Marker Type: Plaque
Sponsored or placed by: NSDAR and Department of State
Website: [Web Link]
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