The Lost Relics of the St. Augustine Privateers

St. Augustine, Florida, established in 1565, is often recognized as the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. It also served as a strategic port for the Spanish during the colonial period, becoming a hotbed for privateering and piracy along the Atlantic coast. Among the myriad of tales that surround this historic city is the intriguing story of the lost relics of the St. Augustine privateers, a narrative woven with threads of adventure, treachery, and treasure spanning back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Historical Context of Privateering

To fully understand the significance of the St. Augustine privateers, we must first explore the socio-political landscape of the age. Following Spain’s colonization of Florida, the Spanish Empire faced repeated threats from rival European powers, primarily Britain and France. To protect their interests, the Spanish Crown issued letters of marque, licensing private individuals to arm their ships and attack enemy vessels under the Spanish flag.

The Golden Age of Privateering, which lasted roughly from the 16th to the 18th century, marked a period when privateers thrived economically and militarily. These privateers not only fought for Spain’s interests but also plundered valuable cargo that could be resold for immense profits. The most notable privateers operating out of St. Augustine included figures such as Juan de Ibarra and Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the latter being the founder of St. Augustine himself.

The Prominence of St. Augustine Privateers

St. Augustine’s geographical location made it a perfect base for privateers seeking to intercept transatlantic ships laden with goods sourced from the New World. The secluded coastline allowed for stealthy operations, while the nearby waters were ripe for ambush. Privateers would often set sail from the harbor, not only to defend Spanish vessels but also to seize enemy ships laden with precious commodities such as silver, gold, and spices.

Records indicate that during the late 17th century, privateering reached its zenith in St. Augustine. This era saw the emergence of several privateering companies, notably the “Brotherhood of the Coast,” which was an organized group of privateers that included many notable figures, such as Francis Drake, who commandeered fleets to protect Spanish interests while pursuing enemy vessels.

The Treasure of the Privateers

The treasure acquired through privateering in St. Augustine was substantial. It consisted mainly of:

Gold and silver coins, often minted from Spanish colonies.
Valuable artifacts such as jewelry, weapons, and navigational instruments.
Spices and exotic goods from the Caribbean islands.
Cargo from merchant vessels, including textiles and agricultural products.

Notably, the treasure was often hidden due to the fear of legal repercussion from opposing naval powers and the potential for discovery by rival privateers. It is believed that many privateers buried substantial portions of their loot in secluded spots along the coast, sparking numerous treasure hunting endeavors in subsequent centuries.

The Legend of the Lost Treasures

The greatest allure surrounding the St. Augustine privateers lies in the legends of lost treasures hidden nearby. Numerous accounts have surfaced over the centuries, sharing tales of caches buried deep in the sands or concealed in the dense coastal thickets.

The Tale of the San Marcos Treasure

One of the most famous tales centers on Captain George Booth, a notorious privateer operating during the late 17th century. Booth was commissioned by the British Crown to raid Spanish ships off the coast of Florida. After successfully intercepting a richly laden Spanish galleon near the San Marcos River in 1684, Booth reportedly buried his share of the treasure near the fort that would later become Castillo de San Marcos.

This legendary treasure is believed to consist of:

Over 200,000 pieces of eight, Spanish silver coins.
Gems and gold artifacts taken from the galleon.
Artifacts of significance, including swords and the ornate chest that contained the treasure.

Despite several treasure hunts conducted in the 19th and 20th centuries, the treasure remains undiscovered, leading to an enduring fascination with the story and drawing amateur treasure hunters to St. Augustine.

The Burial of the Privateer’s Gold

Another compelling legend surrounds a group of privateers who, after a successful raid in the Caribbean, sought refuge in St. Augustine. Fearing an assault from British naval forces, they hid their treasure, consisting primarily of gold doubloons, on an uncharted island off the coast. Accounts from local fishermen suggested that the island may have been near the Matanzas River, but the specific location remains elusive.

Details surrounding this treasure are scant, adding to the lore:

It is said that the privateers buried the gold beneath three large palm trees that formed a triangle.
Local folklore holds that unusual weather patterns continue to obscure the location, with storms surfacing whenever anyone attempts to dig at the purported site.
Attempts by various treasure-seekers and divers have yielded little but rudimentary artifacts.

The Hunt for the Lost Relics

The combination of mystery, adventure, and the potential for immense riches has led to several organized treasure hunting expeditions throughout history, particularly in the 20th century. The growth of metal detecting technology in the 1970s and 1980s incited a renewed interest in the area. Treasure hunters scoured St. Augustine’s beaches and its historical sites, often facing legal challenges due to archaeological protections in place.

Modern-Day Exploration

Significant Discoveries

Despite the ongoing search for the treasures of the St. Augustine privateers, there have been several significant discoveries that provide insight into the historical context of the lost relics. Among these finds is the discovery of Spanish artifacts along the shoreline, including:

Spanish silver coins dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Pieces of ornate jewelry that reflect the craftsmanship of the time.
Tools and weaponry that indicate the privateers’ activities and lifestyle.

In 2015, archaeologists from the University of Florida and the St. Augustine Archaeological Association uncovered several shipwreck sites believed to be remnants of sunken privateering vessels. The team’s exploration led to the recovery of cannons, ship fittings, and personal belongings that had been submerged for centuries.

Legal Framework and Protection of Historical Sites

As interest in treasure hunting in St. Augustine has intensified, so have concerns regarding the preservation of historical sites. The U.S. government and the state of Florida have implemented strict laws to protect archaeological sites and underwater resources. The Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 legitimized the federal government’s claim to shipwrecks and their contents, deeming them part of the nation’s underwater cultural heritage.

Consequently, treasure hunters must obtain permits and follow strict guidelines if they wish to explore for lost relics in these waters. This legal framework protects the archaeological integrity of the area while still allowing for the possibility of discovery, albeit with a sense of responsibility and respect for its history.

The Cultural Impact of the Lost Relics

The tales of the lost relics have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of St. Augustine. The legends have inspired numerous books, movies, and even guided tours that invite adventurers to retrace the steps of these historical privateers.

Educational Programs and Community Involvement

Local museums, such as the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, have embraced the lore of the privateers. They offer various educational programs and exhibitions illustrating the privateering age’s significance and its impact on St. Augustine’s development. Schools often partner with these institutions to incorporate local history into their curricula, teaching students about the importance of maritime exploration and preservation.

The Legacy of the St. Augustine Privateers

The St. Augustine privateers left an indelible mark on the history of Florida and the broader narrative of colonial America. Their tales of daring raids, treacherous waters, and stolen treasures continue to intrigue modern audiences. The search for lost relics fosters a spirit of exploration and adventure, reminding us of a time when the seas were teeming with possibilities and danger.

In conclusion, while the ultimate fate of the lost relics remains uncertain, the story of the St. Augustine privateers serves as a testament to the rich and layered history of St. Augustine itself. The ongoing fascination with treasure hunting not only keeps these stories alive but also perpetuates a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage and the mysteries that lie beneath our shores.