Sebastian in Indian River County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Nuestra Senora de Atocha

Sheet Anchor

Photographed by James Hulse, January 7, 2026

1. Nuestra Senora de Atocha Marker

Inscription. The Spanish had very strict regulations regarding the number and types of anchors that ships were to have on board during voyages to and from the New World. The construction contract for the "Nuestra Senora de Atocha" required the fitting of six different sizes of anchors to serve as the ship's ground tackle.

This iron sheet anchor weighs approximately 750 lbs without Its stock and was the largest anchor on board the ship. The length of its shank is 12 feet 1 inch and the distance between its arm and palm tips is 6 feet 5 inches. The iron ring has a diameter of approximately 22 inches.

A sheet anchor was usually stowed in the hold of a ship with its wooden stocks removed. It was used only during emergencies such as tragic events that sank the "Atocha" during the hurricane in 1622. This anchor was found in the "Quicksand" area of the Atocha trail in 1971 and was the first non-structural artifact that confirmed the presence of a Spanish shipwreck. The "motherlode" of the "Atocha" was finally discovered 14 years later in 1985, approximately 8 miles Southwest of the "Atocha's" sheet anchor.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1622.

Location. 27° 49.118′ N, 80° 28.173′ W. Marker is in Sebastian, Florida, in Indian River County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 1. The marker is located at the entrance to Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1322 US-1, Sebastian FL 32958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s Space Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Iron Cannon (here, next to this marker); Cannon (a few steps from this marker);

Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 7, 2026

2. Nuestra Senora de Atocha and Marker

1715 "Spanish Plate Fleet" (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Hardee Oak (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sebastian (about 500 feet away); Sebastian Grammar School (approx. 0.4 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sebastian.

Closeup view of the Sheet Anchor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 7, 2026

3. Closeup view of the Sheet Anchor

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 29, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.