The Galleons
A Galleon is a type of sailing ship that was used primarily by European naval powers from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Galleons were large, multi-decked ships with three or more masts and were heavily armed with cannons. They were designed for both warfare and trade, and they played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of the Americas by European powers such as Spain, Portugal, England, and the Netherlands. Galleons were characterized by their distinctive hull design, which featured a high, square stern and often ornate decoration. They were among the largest and most powerful ships of their time and played a crucial role in the age of exploration and maritime trade.
The Army of the Guard of the Carrera de Indias of Don Luis Fernández de Córdoba (1605)
The Armada de la Guardia de la Carrera de las Indias, also known as the Flota de Indias, was a Spanish naval fleet that operated in the Atlantic during the 16th to 18th centuries. Its main function was to protect the ships transporting treasures and goods from the Spanish colonies in America to Spain.
The Flota de Indias was composed of a large number of warships and merchant vessels that sailed in convoy to protect each other from attacks by pirates and other enemies. The fleet departed from the ports of Veracruz in Mexico and Cartagena in Colombia, carrying large amounts of gold, silver, spices, and other precious products.
Throughout its history, the Flota de Indias suffered numerous attacks by privateers and pirates, with one of the most famous being the destruction of the fleet by the British navy in the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Despite the dangers, the Flota de Indias continued to operate until the independence of the American colonies in the early 19th century.
The Flota de Indias was a crucial component in the trade between Spain and its American colonies, significantly contributing to the wealth and power of the Spanish Empire at the time.
La Armada de Tierra Firme y la Armada de la Guarda (1605)
La Armada de Tierra Firme
There were eight ships and one boat from the Carrera de Indias Guard Navy. They left Cádiz on May 5, 1605, with the Tierra Firme Fleet under the command of General Don Francisco del Corral.
Vessels:
Capitania Galleon: San Roque (1605)
Captain: Ruy López. Master: Don Enrique Fernández.
Almiranta Galleon: Santo Domingo (1597)
Captain: Don Diego Ramírez. Master: Don Tomás Velásquez.
Galleon: San Ambrósio (1597)
Captain: Don Martín de Ora Macha. Master: Don Tomás Velásquez.
Galleon: Nuestra Señora de Begoña (1601)
Captain: Don Pedro Muñoz de Salto.
Galleon: San Cristóbal (1597)
Captain: Don Felipe Manrique.
Galleon: San Martín (1604)
Galleon: San Gregorio (1595)
Galleon: San Pedro (1603)
Command:
General Don Luis Férnandes de Córdoba y Sotomayor.
Admiral Don Martín de Noja y Castillo, dead upon arrival in Havana.
He was replaced by Juan de Urdaire.
Governor of the Tercio Don Juan de Haro.
Galleon San Jose
The holy grail of shipwreck!
Estimated at 20 billion dollars, the treasure of Galleon San Jose is considered the most valuable treasure ever found...