Industry Methodology

The research design for this site was constructed with a goal of identifying the vessel's role in St. Augustine's maritime history. In conjunction with that specific goal was the broader based objective of placing the vessel in context within the overall history of colonial Florida and the ship's function within the colonial strategy of the competing maritime empires of the day. The methodology chosen to provide the required data to achieve these goals was heavily influenced by the dynamic nature of the site's open ocean environment. As the field seasons progressed additional goals were added such as the further interpretation of the vessel structure, an examination of the associated material comprising her cargo, and to ascertain the extent of the site itself.

A trilateration system, constructed around a baseline with multiple datum points was chosen. A single datum plane was established, referenced to each discrete datum placed as required around the baseline. Any two datums could then be utilized to take a single point, as well as recording that point's depth below datum by using leveled tapes with an incremental plumb bob. This system thereby provides both horizontal and vertical control, while functioning well within a low visibility, dynamic environment. Artifact recovery was strictly limited to diagnostic materials and objects that were disturbed during controlled testing of the site.
1. Southern Oceans Archaeological Research Inc. (SOAR) discovered the Industry site in 1996 while examining targets found during a Florida State survey of the waters around St. Augustine in 1995.
2. The first of three seasons of field work on Industry began in 1998. Three anchors and eight cannon were discovered through the use of a two inch water induction dredge.
3. As work progressed and one cannon was selected for recovery, SOAR began to involve the general public through articles, high school internships, and public talks.
4. Artifacts recovered from the site underwent conservation to preserve them for future generations and to prepare them for public display. Much of this work was undertaken through SOAR at Texas A&M University's Conservation Research Laboratory.
5. As field work continued, plans had to be changed due to a theft at the site. Archaeologists made the best of the situation and recorded and preserved as much information as possible.
6. The site map was continually grew and improved with each new piece of information while artifacts in danger of theft were carefully recovered for conservation.
7. While the primary focus of the 2000 season was the search for hull remains researchers also sought to identify the Industry's role in St. Augustine's history.
History | Findings