Albany in Dougherty County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
De Soto in Georgia
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 5, 2018
1. De Soto in Georgia Marker
In May 1539, Hernando de Soto landed in Florida with over 600 people, 220 horses and mules, and a herd of swine reserved for famine. Fired by his success in Pizarro’s conquest of Peru, De Soto had been granted the rights, by the King of Spain, to explore, then govern, southeastern North America.After wintering in Tallahassee, the De Soto expedition set out on a quest for gold which eventually spanned four years and crossed portions of nine states. This was the first recorded European exploration of the interior of the Southeast. Over 300 members died on the expedition, including De Soto in 1542. This tremendous effort forever changed the lives of the Indians who were infected with old world diseases, killed in battle, enslaved, made destitute and sometimes befriended.
Many scholars believe this was the general area where De Soto spent March 5-10, 1540 after crossing the Capachequi River, probably the Flint. The party cut trees, sawed boards, built a barge and crossed the river with the aid of a rope. From here the expedition traveled northward to the Chiefdom of Toa on the same river.
Erected
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1539.
Location. 31° 34.903′ N, 84° 9.021′ W. Marker is in Albany, Georgia, in Dougherty County. Marker is on West Roosevelt Avenue east of North Washington Street, on the left when traveling east. Located at the South Georgia Archives at the Thronateeska Heritage Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 West Roosevelt Avenue, Albany GA 31701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Union Station Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dougherty County (approx. ¼ mile away); Colonel Nelson Tift (approx. ¼ mile away); The Albany Herald (approx. ¼ mile away); City of Albany (approx. ¼ mile away); British Royal Air Force Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Freedom Alley and City Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away); Carnegie Library (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Also see . . . The New Georgia Encyclopedia - Hernando de Soto in Georgia. (Submitted on May 6, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 5, 2018
2. De Soto in Georgia Marker next to South Georgia Archives building.
Public domain
3. Hernando de Soto (c. 1495 – May 21, 1542)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 5, 2018
4. Marker can be seen above white car next to a newer part of the Thronateeska Heritage Center.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 228 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 6, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
