In 1992 University of West Florida archaeologists discovered the remains of the Rosario, an early, 18th century Spanish fragata that sank in Pensacola Bay over 300 years ago.

The “Rosario” was a large, 50-gun frigate that was built of mahogany and red cedar in Veracruz in the late 1600s. Its primary mission was to escort Spanish cargo vessels. On September 3rd 1705, the “Rosario” stopped by Pensacola to pick up a load of ship masts and return to Veracruz. But, the ship never left because it was run aground by a hurricane two days later and broke apart on a sandbar.

When archaeologists discovered the debris they suspected it was the “Rosario” because of its size, construction materials, and location.

After years of research and archaeological investigations we are almost certain it is the “Rosario.” Among the materials recovered from the wreckage were scores of parts for pulleys, equipment that is essential for maneuvering those heavy logs into the ship.