The recent discovery of a 207-year-old shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico has uncovered a fascinating chapter of American maritime history, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of Black and Native American mariners in the 19th-century whaling industry. This remarkable find was unearthed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), revealing the forgotten stories of diverse communities that played crucial roles in American maritime heritage.
Exploring a Lost Ship and a Forgotten Era
Revealing Hidden Histories and Overcoming Challenges
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves lauded the shipwreck’s importance in illuminating the lives and struggles of Black and Native American mariners in the 19th century. By unearthing this maritime relic, researchers gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by these communities both at sea and on land.
The Significance of the Discovery
NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad emphasized the importance of this find, showcasing the achievements of people of color in the early American whaling industry. During a time marked by discrimination and adversity, African Americans and Native Americans played pivotal roles as crew members on whaling expeditions. This discovery underscores their vital contributions to the ocean economy and challenges prevailing narratives of exclusion.
Collaborative Effort in Uncovering the Past
The discovery was made possible through a collaborative effort involving NOAA and its partners. A remotely operated vehicle aboard the Okeanos Explorer was instrumental in capturing footage and assisting scientists in their exploration. Guided by satellite connections, the vehicle surveyed multiple suspected locations, leading to the successful identification of the shipwreck.
A Link to the Past: The Industry and its Legacy
The brig, known as the Industry, was constructed in 1815 in Westport, Massachusetts, and embarked on numerous whaling voyages across the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. However, tragedy struck on May 26, 1838, when a powerful storm snapped the ship’s masts and caused it to sink. This shipwreck marks the only known instance of a whaling vessel lost in the Gulf of Mexico out of over 200 similar voyages during that era.
Archaeological investigations revealed that the ship had been salvaged before its final demise, explaining the scarcity of artifacts found at the site. This prior salvage suggests that valuable items were removed before the ship sank, leaving behind fewer materials for modern researchers to uncover.
Research conducted by Robin Winters of the Westport Free Public Library provided significant insights into the fate of the crew members, unraveling a mystery that had persisted for decades. Records from the Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror indicated that the crew was rescued by another whaling ship, ensuring their safe return to Westport. This discovery not only highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the crew but also enriches our understanding of the interconnected nature of the 19th-century whaling community.
Notably, the Industry is intertwined with the remarkable legacy of Paul Cuffe, a mariner and entrepreneur of African and Wampanoag Native American descent. Cuffe’s son served as a navigator on the Industry, while his son-in-law, an officer on the brig, is believed to have undertaken more whaling voyages than any other Black individual in American history.
Paul Cuffe was a prominent figure in early American history, advocating for the end of the slave trade and promoting the rights and opportunities for African Americans and Native Americans. The discovery of the Industry provides a unique opportunity to celebrate Cuffe’s accomplishments and shed light on his tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
