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De Soto National Memorial |
De Soto National Memorial, located on the south shore of the Manatee River, commemorates the first major European exploration of the North American interior. A visitor center contains historic displays of armor and weaponry, maps, and a replica of one of de Soto's ships; a short film depicting the expedition is shown throughout the day. An outdoor exhibit on the north porch outlines probable archaeological sites associated with the four-year expedition.
Crossbow and arquebus (matchlock musket) demonstrations are given at Camp Ucita (a reproduction of the 16th-century Indian village that the de Soto expedition used as a base camp), open from from late December to early April. Park rangers also demonstrate blacksmithing, cooking, and armor repair. Special films or demonstrations can be arranged for groups by pre-arrangement.
The park is open daily, year-round; located 5 miles west of Bradenton.
| Location | 75th Street NW Bradenton Beach Florida 34280 |
| Phone | 941-792-0458 |
| Fax | 941-792-5094 |
| DESO_Superintendent@nps.gov | |
| Website |
http://www.nps.gov/deso/
On a sweltering day in May of 1539, Hernando de Soto and an army of over 600 soldiers splashed ashore in the Tampa Bay area. They arrived in nine ships laden with supplies: two hundred and twenty horses, a herd of pigs, a pack of vicious war dogs, cannon, matchlock muskets, armor, tools and rations. It was everything they would need to execute ... |
