The History of the Treasure Coast

The Treasure Coast, a stretch of Florida’s eastern coastline, earned its name from the numerous Spanish treasure fleets that sank in the area during the 17th and 18th centuries. These fleets were laden with gold, silver, and precious gems from the New World, destined for the coffers of Spain. However, hurricanes and treacherous reefs claimed many of these ships, scattering their valuable cargo across the ocean floor.The 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet is perhaps the most famous of these wrecks. Consisting of twelve ships, the fleet was caught in a hurricane off the coast of Florida, resulting in the loss of over a thousand lives and an estimated $400 million in treasure. Today, the remnants of these ships and their cargo continue to be discovered by metal detectorists and treasure hunters.