Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Marking the Trail
| | De Soto National Memorial | |
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
1. Marking the Trail Marker
The 400th anniversary of the De Soto expedition offered an opportunity to create a history-based tourist spot. A coalition of government and private groups established the De Soto Trail commemorating the expedition's route through Florida. They chose Shaw's Point, thought to be near the expedition's landing site, for the first monument.
On May 30, 1939--400 years to the day after De Soto's fleet anchored off the Florida coast--De Soto Trail boosters dedicated this eight ton granite marker.
(Caption):
In 1948 Congress established the De Soto National Memorial, encompassing the monument site here at Shaw's Point. This 1950 photo shows supporters from the National Society of Colonial Dames at the park's dedication.
Erected 2025 by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1939.
Location. 27° 31.429′ N, 82°
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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: DeSoto Trail (a few steps from this marker); The Spanish Crown (a few steps from this marker); La Florida's Early Peoples (a few steps from this marker); Hernando de Soto (a few steps from this marker); The Landing (a few steps from this marker); Knight of Santiago (within shouting distance of this marker); De Soto National Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); People of Place (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. De Soto Trail Monument (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
2. Marking the Trail Marker - wide view
The De Soto Trail stone monument is visible in the background.
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 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
