Punta Gorda in Charlotte County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Historic Spanish Anchor
June 15, 2024
1. Historic Spanish Anchor Marker
Inscription.
Historic Spanish Anchor. . This anchor was discovered by Out Island Divers and Salvage Company July 11, 1979 in Boca Grande Pass, Florida, in 60 feet of water, resting on a flat rock. Weighing approximately 2000 pounds, this anchor is believed to be made prior to 1815 based on its design for use of a 20-inch diameter rope hawser rather than a chain, which could not be found at the discovery site. Based on the size of this anchor, it is estimated that the ship carrying it would have been about 25 tons. Believed to be of Spanish origin, it is one of only 49 known similar anchors. Although smaller, it is identical in shape and design to an anchor found at the site of a 1773 wreck of the El Capitan. Further research on this anchor is being conducted by the Smithsonian Institute.
This anchor was discovered by Out Island Divers & Salvage Company July 11, 1979 in Boca Grande Pass, Florida, in 60 feet of water, resting on a flat rock. Weighing approximately 2000 pounds, this anchor is believed to be made prior to 1815 based on its design for use of a 20-inch diameter rope hawser rather than a chain, which could not be found at the discovery site. Based on the size of this anchor, it is estimated that the ship carrying it would have been about 25 tons. Believed to be of Spanish origin, it is one of only 49 known similar anchors. Although smaller, it is identical in shape and design to an anchor found at the site of a 1773 wreck of the El Capitan. Further research on this anchor is being conducted by the Smithsonian Institute.
Location. 26° 55.663′ N, 82° 3.803′ W. Marker is in Punta Gorda, Florida, in Charlotte County. Marker can be reached from Maud Street north of West Retta Esplanade, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2024. This page has been viewed 37 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2024. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
