In June 1995, scientists from the Texas Historical Commission discovered the wreck of La Belle in Matagora Bay near Port O’Connor. It had been the flagship of La Salle’s expedition to the New World and had sunk on a cold, stormy February day in 1686. Over the next two years, archaeologists excavated La Belle and recovered more than a million artifacts, including bronze cannon, muskets, trade beads, axes, rings, bells, dishes, medicines and everything else needed to start a new colony.
From a Watery Grave is the story of this remarkable discovery and excavation as told by the principle investigator, archaeologist Jim Bruseth and his wife, writer Toni Turner. The water of Matagora Bay is extremely murky, offering nearly zero visibility. Removing the fragile wreck from the bay risked losing a significant part of the ship, so it was decided to build a cofferdam around it and do a “dry” excavation. Funds were raised, the cofferdam built, and when the water was pumped out, the wreck was exposed for the first time in more than 300 years. The archaeological team recovered and preserved a fantastic variety of materials, including much of the wooden hull.
Burseth and Turner share all the excitement of discovery after discovery as the wreck yielded its many secrets. From a Watery Grave is richly illustrated and written for the general public. It reads like a good detective story with a happy ending.
