Specialists from CONICET and the University of Buenos Aires conducted the first systematic archaeological campaign on the Isla de los Estados. This remote territory, characterized by its isolation, was the subject of a comprehensive survey focused on lighthouses, prisons, and 19th-century settlements.
Additionally, the expedition had logistical support from the Argentine Navy, which allowed access to hard-to-reach areas. In this context, interdisciplinary teams participated as part of the “Here Be Dragons” project, aimed at reconstructing human occupation in extreme environments.
On the other hand, the study sought to understand the role of the island as a strategic point in the South Atlantic. In particular, its connection with the colony of Luis Vernet in the Falkland Islands was analyzed, highlighting its function as a supply base.
Surveyed Sites and Material Traces of the Past
During the campaign, researchers visited the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse, inaugurated in 1884, where they identified structures associated with the daily life of the lighthouse keepers. Additionally, they recorded remains of a sub-prefecture, a prison, and a meteorological station active between 1884 and 1898.
In Puerto Cook, where the prison was later relocated, prison structures and daily use materials were found. Among them, Remington cartridge cases and various elements related to work activities in the penal colony stand out.
Similarly, in Bahía Franklin, remains associated with possible 19th-century shipwrecks were surveyed. Consequently, objects such as bottles, sheets, and wood appeared, evidencing the intense maritime traffic in the area.
Geoenvironmental Characteristics of an Extreme Environment
The Isla de los Estados presents unique geoenvironmental conditions that influenced human occupation. Firstly, its subantarctic climate is characterized by strong winds, high humidity, and frequent precipitation throughout the year.
On the other hand, the terrain is mountainous and rugged, with irregular coasts that hinder access. In turn, the dense coverage of forests and peatlands forms fragile ecosystems, where species adapted to extreme conditions prevail.
In this sense, the marine and terrestrial biodiversity plays a key role in the ecological balance. However, exposure to storms and geographical isolation make the island a natural laboratory for studying the interaction between the environment and human activity.
Research, Heritage, and Scientific Projection
The data obtained will allow for the reconstruction of supply circuits and circulation networks between the Isla de los Estados and the Falklands during the 19th century. In this way, a better understanding of the region’s economic and social dynamics will be achieved.
At the same time, researchers plan to process the information for future scientific publications. Consequently, the results are expected to provide new perspectives on human occupation in southern territories.
Finally, the project is supported by institutions such as CONICET, UBA, CADIC, and the University of Cádiz. Thus, the research not only strengthens historical knowledge but also promotes the conservation of cultural and environmental heritage.
