Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Spanish Crown
Photographed By Dave W, February 25, 2023
1. The Spanish Crown Marker
DeSoto was not the first conquistador nor the last to be licensed by the Spanish king to conquer and settle Florida. Three previous attempts had ended in disaster.
The Crown risked little in authorizing private exploration. Under the terms of the king’s contract, the Crown was to receive a considerable share of the treasure without financial investment.
Three years after landing, DeSoto died of fever on March 21, 1542, His personal equipment – three horses, five slaves and 700 pigs – was auctioned to the 300 remaining soldiers of the expedition.
DeSoto’s death tarnished the golden myth of Florida. And when Spanish efforts were rekindled two decades later, Indians were no longer their sole antagonist: the French had established Fort Caroline near present-day Jacksonville, Florida.
Erected by National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Disasters • Exploration. A significant historical date for this entry is March 21, 1542.
Location. 27° 31.432′ N, 82° 38.67′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. Marker can be reached from Desoto Memorial Highway, 0.3 miles north of 24th Avenue Northwest when traveling north. Located
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Landing (here, next to this marker); Knight of Santiago (a few steps from this marker); De Soto Trail Monument (a few steps from this marker); DeSoto Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); La Florida's Early Peoples (within shouting distance of this marker); Hernando de Soto (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Uzita (within shouting distance of this marker); Tabby House Ruins (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Also see . . . De Soto National Memorial. National Park Service (Submitted on February 26, 2023.)
Photographed By Dave W, February 25, 2023
2. The Spanish Crown Marker
Photographed By Dave W, February 25, 2023
3. The Spanish Crown Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 73 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
