Uncovering the World's Most Valuable Underwater Treasures

13. The Ship La Belle

The La Belle Shipwreck: A Window into 17th Century Exploration Value Estimate Present: Unknown Year Vanished: 1686 Year Found: 1995 The remnants of the La Belle provide an invaluable glimpse into a pivotal moment in global history. During the reign of King Louis XIV of France in the 17th century, the ship was part of an expedition aimed at reaching North America to establish a colony and seek out the Spanish silver mines. Historical Significance The La Belle's journey reflects the ambitions of European powers during the Age of Exploration, highlighting the competitive nature of colonial endeavors and the quest for wealth in the New World.

La Belle: The Ship and Its Historical Journey During its ill-fated expedition, Sieur de La Salle abandoned the La Belle, the last ship remaining in the fleet, and sent his troops on foot to locate the mouth of the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, a storm struck, leading to the ship's sinking and leaving the men stranded. Significance of the Wreckage The wreckage of the La Belle contained approximately 1.6 million artifacts, offering invaluable insights into the beliefs and necessities that the French colonists thought were essential for establishing a new colony. These artifacts include: Tools Household items Trade goods