Recording shipwreck remains at the Monte León National Park, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Photo: PROAS

Maritime Archaeology Study at the Monte León National Park (Santa Cruz)
Director: Dr. Dolores Elkin

This research was part of the technical baseline studies conducted in the early 2000's in the Monte León area, when it was decided to include it in the national system of protected areas in Argentina. This was the first national park with a marine coastline on the Argentine sea and constitutes a good example of well preserved Patagonian coastal biodiversity. From the point of view of its history and its maritime cultural heritage, one of the most significant events in this area was the loss of one of the ships of Magellan's expedition, the nao Santiago in 1520.

Santa Cruz Province.

Santa Cruz Province.

40 km of the shoreline of the national park were surveyed, both in the intertidal and supratidal zone. The materials which were found mainly correspond to structural remains of wooden vessels attributed to the 19th century. Most of them were heavily eroded and dispersed along many kilometers, as a result of the strong coastal dynamics which prevail in the area. No remains of Magellan's ship were found.

Unpublished report on this project:
Elkin, D., C. Murray y M. Grosso, 2007. Estudio arqueológico marítimo en el Parque Nacional Monte León. Informe final presentado a la Administración de Parques Nacionales en el marco del estudio “Información básica histórica sobre navíos en costas del futuro Parque Nacional Monte León”, financiado mediante donación BIRF / GEF TF 028372 – AR.


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