The persistence of sail in the age of steam

by Donna J. Souza

Synonymous with shipwrecks for centuries, the well-traveled waters surrounding the Dry Tortugas provide archaeologists with a large number of sites excellent for underwater investigation. Among them are six sailing ships, dating from the mid- to late-nineteenth century, that are of only minor interest when viewed historically. Considered anthropologically, however, they are a window onto the adaptability of an industry struggling with obsolescence. Focusing on the Pulaski Site, of which she was the principal investigator, Souza shows how merchant sailing attempted to compete with steamships through technological adaptation. Rich assemblages of deck machinery and related hardware provide numerous examples of specialized skills, developed over centuries, being brought to bear against the threat of superior technology. More surprising, however, are results indicating adaptive changes in behavior - namely, increased risk-taking. Souza addresses the issue in depth by outlining the factor of