Southeast Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
Conquistador..........,
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 17, 2026
1. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker
New location after restoration
Treasurer of the ill-fated Panfilo de Narvez expedition, was first to write of the discovery of Tampa Bay, April 17, 1528, calling it "Bahia de la Cruz, the best harbor in the world."
After the disastrous trek through Florida the remaining explorers took to the sea in 5 crude boats and vanished. Only Cabeza de Vaca and 3 companions survived. The castaways wandered for 8 years from Tampa Bay to Mexico. Cabeza de Vaca in his "Narrative" had cast a new light on "el Nuevo Mundo."
Erected 1985 by The Columbia Restaurant; with the cooperation of The Tampa Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1963.
Location. 27° 56.939′ N, 82° 27.642′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in Southeast Tampa. It is on North Ashley Drive just south of East Zack Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker was moved from its original location on Harbour Island to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, 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 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: Jimi Hendrix (a few steps from this marker); WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station (about 600 feet away); John And Ellen Jackson: Tampa Pioneers (about 700 feet away); Teco Energy's Tampa Electric Company (about 700 feet away); Tampa Theatre (about 700 feet away); Woolworth Sit-In (approx. 0.2 miles away); Courthouse Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rough Riders Passed By Here (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.
Other markers no longer nearby. Gen. Robert E. Lee, C.S.A. (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, June 17, 2026
2. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker
New location after restoration.
More about this marker. The marker is capped with the seal of the Tampa Historical Society.
Regarding Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca. The Pαnfilo de Narvαez expedition to Tampa Bay was the first European expedition into what would become the United States. The expedition and Αlvar Nϊρez Cabeza de Vaca's story are told in the film Winds of Change at the Tampa Bay History Center, on the opposite end and side of the Garrison Channel from the historical marker.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Additional keywords. Αlvar Nuρez Cabeza de Vaca; Pαnfilo de Narvαez;
Photographed by AGS Media, July 31, 2010
3. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker
Photographed by AGS Media, July 31, 2010
4. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker
Photographed by AGS Media, July 31, 2010
5. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker
Photographed by AGS Media, July 31, 2010
6. Jackson's Bistro at Knight's Point
Photographed by AGS Media, July 31, 2010
7. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker
Photographed by Dave W, February 11, 2023
8. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca Marker (missing)
Pole can been seen through railing next to Jackson's Bistro.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 3,344 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on February 17, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 1, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. 8. submitted on February 17, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
