Mission River Spanish Galleon Wreck — Refugio

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Mission River Spanish Galleon Wreck — Refugio

Lost Treasure TX • Refugio County County
Description
Refugio County legend of a Spanish ship carrying millions in gold and silver driven up the Mission River in a storm, mired in mud, and left to rot — cargo never recovered.
Historical Notes
The Mission River drains Refugio County into Copano Bay north of Corpus Christi. The Rocker Box Refugio County compilation describes a Spanish vessel run aground in a fierce storm with millions in bullion aboard. Shifting mud banks and hurricanes have buried countless Gulf hulls in Texas rivers. W.C. Jameson and regional guidebooks repeat the Mission River galleon tale; archaeologists have documented Spanish artifacts along the coast but not the specific wreck. Coordinates approximate the lower Mission River near Refugio town. Tidal mud and private shoreline limit access.
Status / Verification legend — Legendary or approximate

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