Museum of the Islands

Preserving the past for the future on Pine Island, Florida

The Pirates and Ship Wrecks of Charlotte Harbor

During the 18th and 19th century Pine Island and Charlotte Harbor was the home port of refuge for several pirates.

José Gaspar AKA Gasparilla
Brewster Baker AKA Brew or Bru Baker

There have been several notable ship wrecks in Charlotte Harbor, some reportedly carrying treasure.

1563 An unnamed gallion of the Vera Cruz Fleet sank with unknown treasure aboard.
1821 Gasparilla’s Ship the Florida Blanca was sunk by the US Navy reportedly with 9 Million in treasure.
1821 An unnamed American frigate sank at the entrance to Big Gasparilla Pass with 1 Million in coin

Credit Wikipedia

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