El Nuevo Constante lay in Louisiana waters near the southwestern coast of Louisiana. The state developed an agreement with Mr. Blume and his associates. This contract provided for historical and archaeological study of the wreck.  The archaeologists and finders worked together to record all of the wreck and its artifacts.

     The lower part of El Nuevo Constante was nearly complete when archaeological research began in the early 1980s. Still at the site were pieces of cargo, weapons, food, and belongings of the crew or passengers. Tides had carried away parts of the ship and cargo. Mud and sand had buried the rest.

     Through careful research, historians learned about the ship and the events leading to its loss. Underwater archaeologists excavated well-preserved artifacts, many of which are unique. These tell about the ship's construction, its cargo, and life on board an 18th-century merchant vessel.