Small Arms and Munitions from a Texas Coastal Shipwreck

Abstract

In February 1998, the National Underwater Maritime Agency discovered a shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico, located in the historic pass to Matagorda Bay, Texas. It was initially believed the wreck might be the French supply vessel L’Aimable that sank in 1685 and was part of LaSalle’s expedition to the Texas coast. Subsequent investigation of the site by the Texas Historical Commission discovered the vessel likely dated to the late 18th or early 19th centuries. The small collection of artifacts recovered were comprised of British and Spanish military arms, copper sheathing, rigging elements, assorted munitions, and other materials. Artifact analysis and research indicates the shipwreck dates to the early 19th century and may be associated with privateering and/or naval activities that played a part in the territorial and political changes around the Gulf of Mexico during this time.