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The Spanish Main extended from the coastal waters of Spain, through West Africa and as far east as the Gulf of Mexico. Major ports along the Main consisted of Campeche, Port Royale, Barbados, San Juan and Grand Bahamas.
As the gold and silver mines of the South and Central Americas produced great wealth, Spain spent considerable time and effort harvesting the profits. As a result, richly laden and slow moving Treasure Fleets would sail the precious metals westward to Spain. These vessels were prime targets for Pirates and Privateers and eventually the attacks led to war between Spain, England, France and Holland.
When the mines dried up, so did Spanish interest and slowly Spain reduced its number of warships and fleets patrolling the area. Quietly the once tempestuous Spanish Main faded into calm waters with the sunset of the Pirate Era.



	The Spanish Main The Spanish Main extended from the coastal waters of Spain, through West Africa and as far east as the Gulf of Mexico. Major ports along the Main consisted of Campeche, Port Royale, Barbados, San Juan and Grand Bahamas. As the gold and silver mines of the South and Central Americas produced great wealth, Spain spent considerable time and effort harvesting the profits. As a result, richly laden and slow moving Treasure Fleets would sail the precious metals westward to Spain. These vessels were prime targets for Pirates and Privateers and eventually the attacks led to war between Spain, England, France and Holland. When the mines dried up, so did Spanish interest and slowly Spain reduced its number of warships and fleets patrolling the area. Quietly the once tempestuous Spanish Main faded into calm waters with the sunset of the Pirate Era.