Islamorada in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1733
Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, May 16, 2015
1. Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1733 Marker
The fleet of 21 ships was loaded with gold and silver from the mine at Cartagena, Peruvian gold and artifacts from Porta Bello and those from the Pacific at Vera Cruz.
On the 14th, the armada found itself in a severe hurricane just off the Florida Keys. By the next morning the fleet was scattered from Duck Key to just above Key Largo. Only one ship was still afloat.
The remains of four of these galleons, the San Pedro, Lerrie, San Francisco, and the Almirante, can be seen today off Lower Matecumbe. This disaster killed hundreds of people and wrecked the Spanish Navy although most of the treasure was recovered.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 13, 1733.
Location. 24° 53.366′ N, 80° 40.567′ W. Marker is in Islamorada, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on Overseas Highway (U.S. 1 at milepost 78), 1.9 miles Old State Road 4a, on the left when traveling south. The marker is one of a group of three markers on boulders
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. 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: Rafters (here, next to this marker); Juan Ponce de Leon (here, next to this marker); Florida East Coast Railroad Oversea Extension (within shouting distance of this marker); Triangle of History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indian Key Historic State Park (about 300 feet away); San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve (about 400 feet away); Tea Table Key (about 500 feet away); Indian Key (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Islamorada.
Photographed by Marsha A. Matson, May 16, 2015
2. Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1733 Marker
Marker is on the left boulder (driving north on Overseas Highway).
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,104 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2015, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
