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

Cofitachequi

— De Soto National Memorial —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

1. Cofitachequi Marker

Inscription. In the spring of 1540, at the start of the growing season, the people of Cofitachequi got word of an approaching army of foreigners. When the group reached the city's outskirts, the priestess went out to greet them. She offered food and housing, and placed strings of freshwater pearls around the neck of their commander, a man named De Soto.

For 13 days the strangers lived in the city, eating stored food and searching for treasure. They were so demanding that the priestess allowed them to dig into graves and take pearls from the dead.

But De Soto grew impatient. When the Indigenous people told him of greater treasures inland, he ordered his people to pack up. As the group left Cofitachequi, they seized the shocked priestess and her servants as hostages. Some 13 days later, she and her retainers escaped with the assistance of one of the expeditions enslaved Africans.

Erected 2025 by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1540.

Location. 27° 31.49′ N, 82° 38.504′ W.

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Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from no nearby street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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); A Punishing Winter (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Mabila (within shouting distance of this marker); Across the Wide River (within shouting distance of this marker); Driven Out of Chicaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of a Conquistador (about 300 feet away); Back to Angola (about

Cofitachequi Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

2. Cofitachequi Marker - wide view

300 feet away); A Long and Fruitless March (about 500 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 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.