Orchid in Indian River County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Site of Survivors’ and Salvagers’ Camp
The 1715 Fleet
Photographed By Julie Szabo, December 5, 2008
1. Site of Survivors’ and Salvagers’ Camp Marker
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
this page online
Erected 1974 by Treasure Coast Chapter NSDAR and Department of State. (Marker Number F-222.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Disasters • Exploration • Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Notable Events • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1715.
Location. 27° 50.032′ N, 80° 26.053′ W. Marker is in Orchid, Florida, in Indian River County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 1. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13180 North Highway A1A, Vero Beach FL 32963, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Hardee Oak (approx. 2.4 miles away); Sebastian (approx. 2.4 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 2.6 miles away); Sebastian Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.7 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 2.9 miles away); Moore's Point (approx. 3.6 miles away); Roseland (approx. 3.8 miles away); A.B. Michael (Wabasso) Bridge (approx. 5½ miles away).
More about this marker. Marker is located directly in front of the McLarty Treasure Museum ($2 admission). The beach behind the museum is open to the public and treasures are still being washed ashore.
Photographed By Julie Szabo, December 5, 2008
2. Site of Survivors’ and Salvagers’ Camp Marker
McLarty Museum in background
Photographed By Julie Szabo, December 5, 2008
3. Entrance to the McLarty Treasure Museum
This view is towards the north.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,830 times since then and 146 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
