Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Uzita
| | De Soto National Memorial | |
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
1. Uzita Marker
As they prepared to head north chasing reports of gold, the Spanish made Uzita their own. They used the thatched houses for shelter, and added their own field-ready equipment such as tents, folding tables, and portable forges. They built a log palisade for perimeter defense, and cleared the vegetation all around for a distance of "two crossbow strikes." De Soto claimed the cacique's palace, on the highest point in the village, as his own residence.
When the expedition departed in the spring of 1539, De Soto ordered 100 men to stay behind at Uzita. Several months later, the soldiers stationed here got word that the army had reached a winter encampment site. They left Uzita to rejoin the expedition.
Erected 2025 by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1539.
Location. 27° 31.412′ N, 82° 38.683′ W. Marker is in Bradenton
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast and on 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: De Soto National Memorial (a few steps from this marker); In the Longhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); People of Place (within shouting distance of this marker); DeSoto Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Knight of Santiago (within shouting distance of this marker); The Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); The Spanish Crown (within shouting distance of this marker); Marking the Trail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Other markers no longer nearby. Camp Uzita (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); De Soto Trail Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
2. Uzita Marker - wide view
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 24 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
