Mansfield Cut Underwater Archeological District
16th-century Spanish shipwrecks off the Texas Gulf Coast
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Mansfield Cut Underwater Archeological District
26.5736° N, -97.2527° E
About
The Mansfield Cut Underwater Archeological District is an 18.31-acre (74,100 m2) area located near the city of Port Mansfield, Texas, United States, in the waters off Kenedy County and Willacy County, Texas. Located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico near the Port Mansfield Cut, the underwater archaeological site is the location of the Mansfield Cut Wrecks and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Fleet departure from San Juan de Ulúa
April 9, 1554
Ships run aground off Texas
April 29, 1554
Salvage in summer 1554
Summer 1554
Anchor found during dredging
late 1950s
Espíritu Santo discovery
1966
Private salvage and legal case
1967
Antiquities Code of Texas enacted
1969
San Esteban located by survey
early 1970s
Listing on National Register of Historic Places
1974
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Miscellaneous Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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