Digging into the Colonial Past: Archeology and the 16th-Century Spanish Settlements at Charlesfort Santa Elena (Teaching with Historic Places)

Courtesy of the Library of Congress and the National Park Service.

This lesson is part of the National Park Service’s Teaching with Historic Places (TwHP) program.

At the beginning of the 16th century, France and Spain engaged in a series of wars. The conflict between these two powerful kingdoms spread across the globe as the French and Spanish governments fought to increase their power, wealth, and prestige in Europe. This competition transferred to "the new world" of the Western Hemisphere, as European nations became interested in the wealth available in areas like the Caribbean. During this time of conquest and competition, France attacked Spanish ships and posed a threat to Spanish interests in North America, creating an unstable environment. Both France and Spain raced to settle and control the southern coast of North America.

On a small island off the coast of present-day South Carolina lie the ruins of Charlesfort, the French outpost for a year, which later became Santa Elena, a Spanish colonial town from 1566 to 1587. The site has been abandoned now for more than 400 years. Use this lesson plan to learn about Charlesfort. (Click on the image to explore the full lesson plan.)

Essential Question

Discover the site of a 16th-century Spanish town that was founded before Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth, and learn how archeology uncovered the story of Santa Elena.

Objective

1. To explain several reasons why the Spanish attempted to colonize eastern North America in the 16th century;
2. To construct a historical narrative and timeline of the settlement at Santa Elena using archeological information, maps, and artifacts;
3. To compare and contrast primary and secondary sources, and explain the value and limitations of each;
4. To analyze a collection of historical artifacts and describe how they contribute to our knowledge of the past.

Background

Time Period: Mid- to late 16th century
Topics: This lesson plan can be used in units on pre-colonial history of the Americas or European exploration and conquest. The lesson could also be used to enhance the study of archeology and American Indians.

Grade Level

Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade

Subject

Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies

Lesson Duration

90 Minutes

Full Lesson Plan