Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Hernando de Soto
C 1500-1542
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014
1. Hernando de Soto Marker
The first to bring the influence of Spain, its laws, its culture to Alabama.
This is an original concept in stone of DeSoto.
Vicinte Rodilla Zanσn
of Valencia
Sculptor 1967
Erected 1967.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1500.
Location. 30° 41.275′ N, 88° 2.726′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. It can be reached from South Franklin Street south of Government Street (U.S. 90), on the left when traveling north. Marker and sculpture are located along the walkway on the east side of Spanish Plaza Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Government Street, Mobile AL 36602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Gulf Coast and in Mobile Bay. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Little Colt (a few steps from this marker); Mobile's Spanish Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfonse X (The Wise) (within shouting distance of this marker); Isabel La Catolica (within shouting distance of this marker); Crown & Scepter of Isabel (within
this page online
Also see . . . Hernando de Soto (Wikipedia). Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who was involved in expeditions in Nicaragua and the Yucatan Peninsula, and played an important role in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru, but is best known for leading the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States (through Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and most likely Arkansas). He is the first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River. (Submitted on August 4, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 19, 2014
2. Hernando de Soto Sculpture
Photographed by Billy Clemmons, March 5, 2026
3. Hernando de Soto Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 909 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on March 5, 2026, by Billy Clemmons of Florence, Alabama.
