An
underwater field investigation of the WATSON
A. WEST would offer researchers and the pubic an opportunity
to study life aboard ship and turn-of-the-century ship construction
methods. Shipwrecks are very important historic resources, offering
a unique opportunity of viewing past societies. Unlike terrestrial
land sites where modern events can contaminate the site, the underwater
site is typically isolated from these events. A shipwreck site
is truly a time capsule of a given day frozen in time. Archaeologists
systematically map the underwater site, which can take years to
complete. Slowly a snapshot of history starts to develop, offering
a window into the past.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National
Marine Sanctuary Program manages these historic resources
providing protection to benefit the American people and future
generations. "The shipwreck remains of the Channel Islands reflect
the diverse range of the activities and nationalities that traversed
the Santa Barbara Channel. Chinese junks, Russian and Mexican
sailing ships, American coastal traders, and Gold Rush-era steam
ships have all sunk in these waters. Each has a story to tell
about the history, technology, and society of earlier times."
Fathoming Our Past, Bruce Terrell, NOAA Historian and Archaeologist.
Other known shipwreck sites located within the sanctuary and park
are presently being studied and mapped through the assistance
of the Coastal
Maritime Archaeology Resources (CMAR) organization.The history
of shipwrecks and archaeological work being performed in the Channels
Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel
Islands National Park is exhibited at the Santa
Barbara Maritime Museum.
