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

A Punishing Winter

— De Soto National Memorial —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

1. A Punishing Winter Marker

Inscription. In the fall of 1539 the De Soto expedition reached the homeland of the Apalachee. The Indigenous people harried the Spanish force with flank attacks, and even burned their own villages to keep food out of enemy hands. But the invaders pushed on and captured the principal Apalachee town, Anhaica. There they settled for the winter.

It was a brutal season. In the mid-1500s a "little ice age" cooling trend gripped the northern Atlantic region. Winter temperatures were much lower than they are now. Everyone suffered: the displaced Apalachees, the expedition members, and above all the expedition's hundreds of captives--most of whom died of exposure.

(Caption):
In 1987, archeologists excavating in Tallahassee discovered several Spanish artifacts, including pieces of chainmail, olive oil jar fragments, a pig's jaw, and a four Maravedi coin. The items dated back to the 16th century, proving this site was the location of Anhaica. To this day, Anhaica is one of the very few De Soto sites we know for certain.

Erected 2025 by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology

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• Exploration • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1539.

Location. 27° 31.48′ N, 82° 38.52′ 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: 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: Tabby House on the Seashore (a few steps from this marker); Cofitachequi (within shouting distance of this marker); Across the Wide River (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of a Conquistador

A Punishing Winter Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

2. A Punishing Winter Marker - wide view

(within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Mabila (within shouting distance of this marker); Driven Out of Chicaza (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Long and Fruitless March (about 400 feet away); Back to Angola (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.

Other markers no longer nearby. Tabby House Ruins (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); De Soto Point (was about 400 feet away 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 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.