Palma Sola in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Back to Angola
| | De Soto National Memorial | |
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
1. Back to Angola Marker
During the late 1700s and early 1800s, many African people escaped slavery in the United States and fled south. Granted freedom by the Spanish government, they settled in Florida. But when Spain transferred control of Florida to the US, those free people were once again in danger of enslavement.
In 1821, the U.S. Navy set out to capture the residents of Angola Village, a community of formerly-enslaved people located here up the Manatee River. Lookouts saw the approaching ships and rushed to warn the village. Thanks to that early warning, most of the residents escaped to Sarasota Bay where they had stashed boats. The group sailed to the Bahamas, where they founded a new community.
Erected 2025 by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 27° 31.503′ N, 82° 38.453′ W. Marker is in Palma Sola, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached
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: Driven Out of Chicaza (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Mabila (within shouting distance of this marker); Across the Wide River (within shouting distance of this marker); Cofitachequi (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tabby House on the Seashore (about 300 feet away); A Punishing Winter (about 400 feet away); Death of a Conquistador (about 500 feet away); A Long and Fruitless March (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palma Sola.
Other markers no longer nearby. De Soto Point (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Tabby House Ruins (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
2. Back to Angola 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 20 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
