During the 17th century, Spanish galleons and merchant ships carrying silver and gemstones from the mines of Mexico and Peru navigated the treacherous waters off the Florida coast, passing Jupiter Inlet along a narrow route through shallow water, sand bars, coral reefs, and occasional hurricanes as they followed the Gulf Stream’s swift north current. Ships that did not survive left cannons, anchors, navigational tools, coins, flatware, and silver and gold scattered across the ocean floor, helping give the area its modern nickname, “The Treasure Coast.” Ships thought to have wrecked off the Jupiter coast during the 1600s include the San Miguel Archangel and the San Francisco y San Antonio, both Spanish avisos of 60 tons or less. Though well-armed, these courier ships relied mainly on speed to outrun larger vessels, and while they primarily carried correspondence to and from the Spanish throne, they were also known to carry goods and valuables. Such wrecks serve as important time capsules that deepen understanding of the people who sailed Florida’s waters before us.