Texarkana in Bowie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Legend of Hernando de Soto
City of Texarkana, Texas
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Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025
1. The Legend of Hernando de Soto Marker
Texarkana tradition holds that in 1541, Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto's expedition camped at the natural spring that now brands Spring Lake Park.
In 1926, the Lone Star Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution affixed a plaque to the springhouse that reads: Hernando de Soto drank from this spring in 1541. While camping here, his men mutinied and one was hanged to an oak tree west of the spring. This tablet was erected by Lone Star Chapter DAR 1926.
Erected 2021 by City of Texarkana, Texas.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not, and the Daughters of the American Revolution series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.
Location. 33° 27.658′ N, 94° 3.37′ W. Marker is in Texarkana, Texas, in Bowie County. It can be reached from North Park Road Ό mile north of West 40th Street. The marker is on Spring Lake Park Trail in Spring Lake Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4303 North Park Road, Texarkana TX 75503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. 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 Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: William Wooten & Anthony Ghio (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Aviation in the Park
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Spring Lake Park Walk Through History
Also see . . .
1. Hernando de Soto Expedition: Texas (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Intentionally misled by their Caddo guides, the expedition wandered around Texas while only encountering a few major Caddo centers, though there were many that lay not far beyond where they traveled. Eventually they were forced to turn around after reaching the River of Daycao, variously identified as the Brazos, Trinity, or even the Colorado. As this leg of the expedition took place after the death of both de Soto and Juan Ortiz, his primary translator, the records are more sparse and(Submitted on January 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)reveal less information than in earlier parts of the journey.
2. Marker detail: Hernando de Soto
2. De Soto Expedition 1539-1542 CE (National Park Service).
Excerpt: Battling their way through Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas in 1541-1542, de Soto met his death at the age of 42 from a fever along the Mississippi in either Arkansas or Louisiana. The remainder of his expedition, having lost most of their horses and nearly half their men (many of whom were sick or injured) without having found the riches they sought, nor a place to settle, decided to end their journey and return to Spanish-held lands. Trekking first into what is today Texas but finding no means of supporting the army, they backtracked to the Mississippi River, and followed it to the Gulf of Mexico, dodging attacks as they went.(Submitted on January 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: de Sotos Travels
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025
4. The Legend of Hernando de Soto Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 149 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 2, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
