Possible Discovery of a 1748 Spanish Shipwreck in North Carolina

Archeologists from East Carolina University believe they may have uncovered the remains of a historic Spanish ship – a privateering vessel attacked in 1748 – among four shipwrecks at a North Carolina site.

During a field expedition in May and June, the maritime studies team explored the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site in Brunswick County, stumbling upon these significant findings.

The university reported gathering wood samples suggesting that the shipbuilders utilized materials from Spanish Caribbean territories in the 1700s. Although more research is required for definitive identification, the team suspects the remains might belong to La Fortuna, a Spanish ship from Cuba that met its end near the colonial docks during a 1748 attack at the close of King George’s War.

Cory van Hees, a maritime studies graduate, described the moment of discovery: 'I found several wooden beams barely protruding from the mud, with traces of planking faintly discernible. I knew immediately this discovery needed to be reported to our instructors.'

Dr. Jason Raupp, after examination, confirmed the site might be the wreckage of La Fortuna, an acknowledgment that sparked a mix of awe and emotion among the team members.

La Fortuna was involved in hostilities during King George’s War, which lasted from 1744 to 1748, several decades before the onset of the American Revolution.

In proximity to the wreck lies an 18th-century cannon, presumed to be from the same ship, that was recovered back in 1985 by ECU.

University representatives noted that over 40 wood pieces linked to La Fortuna were retrieved in a bid to prevent further damage from environmental erosion and other risks.

The site had been shielded by marsh but erosion left parts of the ship and colonial structures exposed. Despite its fragmentation, the individual timbers showed surprising preservation, still bearing marks left by the original shipbuilders.

These artifacts have been transported to the Queen Anne's Revenge Conservation Laboratory at ECU for safekeeping and future restoration.

Unveiling More Historical Treasures

At the same waterfront site along the Cape Fear River, remnants of three other ships were uncovered.

Preliminary studies suggest that one ship may have been repurposed as a land extension at the port; another could be a colonial flatboat, a craft used historically to ferry people and cargo between the port and local plantations. The fourth ship's remains are too obscured to identify without further investigation.

The field investigations also revealed colonial-era port structures, including timber-crib wharves and a causeway, along with various artifacts that provide insights into the life, trade, and military aspects of the colonial period.

"We're thrilled with these discoveries," remarked Dr. Raupp, "they present unique opportunities for students at ECU to engage directly in research, peeling back layers of our early colonial history."