Crews Unearth 19th Century Ship Hidden Beneath FL Road

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Road crews in St. Augustine made a historic discovery earlier this month when they unearthed a 19th-century ship buried and preserved beneath a downtown highway, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

In a news release, state transportation officials said crews discovered a section of the maritime vessel under State Road A1A in downtown St. Augustine while working on a drainage improvement project. Archaeologists determined the ship was likely from the 19th century, officials said.

The vessel was about 28 feet long and missing its mast and rigging, according to a USA Today report.

Officials brought in archaeologists with SEARCH Inc., a cultural resource management research firm, to excavate the site. The city had already contracted with the agency due to the "historic nature of the area," officials said in a news release.

“With every project we undertake, the Florida Department of Transportation is sensitive to the unique needs of the communities we serve, including the potential presence of historical sites and artifacts within construction sites,” FDOT District 2 Secretary Greg Evans said in a statement. “We are grateful to our partners at SEARCH for their careful efforts to preserve this vessel, and we look forward to learning more about its significance to the region."

Archaeologist James Delgado told the Florida Times-Union that the boat was excavated board by board. Crews finished the project last week, the report said.

During the excavation, workers also found coins and a pair of leather shoes, WJXT reported.

Delgado also told the Florida Times-Union that the ship likely dates back to the second half of the 19th century and was probably built locally for fishing, oystering and carrying goods.

More photos of the excavation process are viewable online.