Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

People of Place

— De Soto National Memorial —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

1. People of Place Marker

Inscription. When De Soto's expedition landed in Tampa Bay they encountered the Uzita, Mocozo, and Tocobaga--three powerful and prosperous Indigenous societies, each with their own language. These people had lived along this coast for thousands of years, nourished by the abundance of land and ocean resources. They built large well-defended towns that featured tall shell-mound platforms. They created a rich material culture that included elaborate pottery and textiles.

In the 1600s the people of the south Florida coast were part of a broader cultural family known today as the Mississippian: a group of related societies who sprang from an agricultural revolution in the Mississippi Valley. Throughout their travels the De Soto expedition preyed heavily on the skills, labor, and harvests of Mississippian villages.

The Uzita, Mocozo, and Tocobaga people still exist--here in Florida, and around the world. They are the descendants of those who watched the conquistadors come ashore, who fought waves of colonization and survived catastrophic change. Today, they carry their culture forward.

Erected 2025 by National Park Service.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 27° 31.43′ N, 82° 38.678′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from 75th Street Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2417 75th St NW, Bradenton FL 34209, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Knight of Santiago (here, next to this marker); In the Longhouse (here, next to this marker); The Landing (a few steps from this

People of Place Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

2. People of Place Marker - wide view

marker); The Spanish Crown (a few steps from this marker); De Soto National Memorial (a few steps from this marker); DeSoto Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Marking the Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Uzita (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.

Other markers no longer nearby. De Soto Trail Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Camp Uzita (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

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 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.