Discovering History: How One Woman Discovered Spanish Shipwrecks Off Texas Shores

Only the San Andres managed to reach Havana, Cuba, albeit heavily damaged. The remaining ships—San Esteban, Espíritu Santo, and Santa María de Yciar—met their tragic fate as they ran aground and sank off Padre Island, Texas. Nearly 300 souls succumbed to the disaster.

These shipwrecks, the oldest excavated in the U.S., not only mark a significant historical event but also triggered the enactment of the Antiquities Code of Texas (ACT) and the establishment of the Texas Antiquities Committee (TAC), a precursor to the Texas Historical Commission (THC), in 1969. The excavation of San Esteban in 1967 and the ensuing legal battle became a pivotal moment, setting the stage for underwater archaeology and resource management in the United States.

This oversight neglects the remarkable contribution of a Texan icon whose exploratory endeavors reshaped underwater archaeology in the 1960s.

Born on August 31, 1913, in Sweetwater, Texas, to William B. Hartgraves and Mary Ella Pelton, she embarked on a life filled with passion and audacity. Married to Dr. Edwin Connor, owner of Parkview General Hospital in Corpus Christi, her pursuits expanded through access to the hospital’s yacht, Vida Lee III, and a private plane. Connor’s exploits included the discovery of 19th-century steamboat Mary Summers and an aircraft wreck in the Gulf of Mexico, showcasing her indomitable spirit.

These collaborations foreshadowed her groundbreaking work on 16th-century shipwrecks, marking her as a true Texan among Texans.

Exceptional marine visibility revealed 16 shapes underwater, which she believed to be distinct shipwrecks. The subsequent dive investigation identified polished stones, the ship’s ballast, and other artifacts associated with the anchor. Unbeknownst to her, these artifacts belonged to the 1554 Spanish Plate Fleet.

Her altruistic approach sought validation from fellow divers, contrasting with the secrecy often associated with valuable finds. Her candidness, however, may have contributed to the later salvage of the shipwrecks by other parties.

Upon her return, she encountered another vessel salvaging artifacts from Espíritu Santo, presumed to be Platoro Ltd., Inc., an Indiana salvage company. This marked the beginning of a 17-year legal dispute over jurisdictional rights in state waters.

Her involvement in scientific ventures, marked by the use of Vida Lee III for dives with marine biology students, showcased her commitment. Connor’s passion for historical preservation was evident in her co-sponsorship of student research in Spanish archives in 1965, aligning the Padre Island discovery with the 1553 Spanish expedition.

In 1969, Connor articulated the transformative nature of the discoveries, stating, “Objects representing a way of life four hundred years ago are the real treasures.” Her words resonate as a testament to the emerging academic emphasis on scientific approaches to submerged sites.

This discipline is intricate and has gained momentum with recent technological advancements, making it one of the most dynamic areas in archaeological research today.

This field has since diversified into various subdisciplines, each examining different aspects of the underwater world and human interaction with water, showcasing the depth and breadth of this intriguing field.

Diving conditions, weather, and water currents can complicate research efforts. Moreover, archaeologists must possess the skills to meticulously document and handle artifacts underwater, showcasing the demanding nature of this field.

This environment makes both the interpretation and conservation of finds particularly challenging.

The use of submersibles and robotic equipment, as seen with the R/V Petrel, has enabled the discovery of significant underwater sites, pushing the boundaries of exploration.

Such collaborations highlight the importance of local knowledge in uncovering hidden underwater treasures, demonstrating the field’s reliance on community engagement.

These laws advocate for the in situ preservation of artifacts, emphasizing the need for ethical research practices and the protection of submerged sites from looting and vandalism.

These sites offer a unique perspective on the past, making ancient history accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

The field promises to uncover more about our past, offering insights into previously inaccessible aspects of human life and civilization, and highlighting the continuous evolution of archaeological research methodologies.

The cost associated with deploying advanced technology and skilled personnel illustrates the commitment to uncovering and preserving our underwater heritage.

The delicate nature of these artifacts requires specialized techniques and careful handling to ensure that they are preserved for future study and appreciation, emphasizing the field’s dedication to heritage preservation.

Through various programs and initiatives, individuals can contribute to the exploration and preservation of underwater cultural heritage, connecting with the past in a hands-on and meaningful way.

In her later years, she expressed a sense of not being taken seriously, a sentiment that echoes the unfortunate oversight of her contributions.

As we revisit the narrative of the 1554 Spanish Plate Fleet discovery, it is essential to honor Vida Lee Connor—the woman whose tenacity, openness, and love for exploration shaped the course of underwater archaeology in Texas and beyond. Her story deserves recognition as a testament to the Texan spirit and the unyielding pursuit of uncovering hidden treasures buried beneath the waves.