In partnership with the Louisiana State Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the Louisiana Division of Archaeology and the US Army Corps of Engineers, Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA) will host the El Nuevo Constante Traveling Exhibit from May 7th – June 8th at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center.
El Nuevo Constante was a Spanish ship that wrecked near the Louisiana coast in 1766. In September of that year, a hurricane struck a fleet of Spanish merchant ships as they sailed from Mexico to Spain. One of the ships, El Nuevo Constante, nearly made it to shore before it sank in shallow water.
The wreck of El Nuevo Constante lay submerged for 213 years until the shrimping nets of Curtis Blume snagged copper ingots off the coast of Cameron Parish in 1979. He notified state archaeologists and historians, and together they worked to complete a comprehensive study of the shipwreck.
“We are very excited to host the El Nuevo Constante exhibit” said CRNHA Director of Interpretation Steven Fullen. “The artifacts and information presented in this exhibit will help visitors understand the routes, goods, and cultural exchange that occurred along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Visitors will also gain an insight into the work that goes into conducting historical research and archaeology in Louisiana.” The exhibit showcases items from the shipwreck including cannonballs, ceramics, and replicas of the gold ingots recovered during the underwater excavation.
The exhibit is free and available for public viewing Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center.
The exhibit is free and available for public viewing Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center.
The exhibit will be open until June 8th. Large groups are encouraged to schedule visits by contacting Steven Fullen at 318.356.5555 or sfullen@canerivernha.org.
Contact: Rebecca Blankenbaker
Director of Communications
Cane River National Heritage Area
1115 Washington Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318)356-5555
Director of Communications
Cane River National Heritage Area
1115 Washington Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
(318)356-5555
Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that manages the congressionally designated Cane River National Heritage Area. Its mission is to preserve and promote the cultural and natural resources of Cane River and encourage economic development by strengthening heritage tourism in the region.