Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Battle of Mabila
| | De Soto National Memorial | |
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
1. Battle of Mabila Marker
Tascaluza complied with De Soto's request. But he also secretly alerted warriors at the town of Mabila to prepare an ambush. When the Spanish force reached the town, De Soto and a couple dozen men walked into the palisade. Hundreds of Atahachi warriors leaped out of hiding and attacked.
De Soto and his men fought back, barely escaping. Joined by the soldiers outside, they descended on the town. Fire broke out. In the chaos enslaved Indigenous porters hurled bundles of supplies into the inferno and joined the fray.
When the battle was over, the Spanish force was badly damaged. Dozens of soldiers and horses were dead or wounded. A big portion of their supplies--food, clothing, weapons, and more--were gone. Even the meager stash of treasure had been lost.
(Caption):
The Atahatchi, and De Soto's Indigenous captives, experienced a far greater loss. The expedition's chronicles report that 2,500 indigenous people died in the battle, including Chief Tuscaluza and his family.
Erected 2025 by National Park Service.
Topics.
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Location. 27° 31.499′ N, 82° 38.481′ W. 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: Driven Out of Chicaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Cofitachequi (within shouting distance of this marker); Across the Wide River (within shouting distance of this marker); Back to Angola (within shouting distance of this marker); Tabby House on the Seashore (within shouting distance of this marker); A Punishing Winter (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of a Conquistador (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Long and Fruitless March (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Other markers no longer nearby. De Soto Point (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Tabby House Ruins (was within shouting
Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026
2. Battle of Mabila Marker - wide view
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 26 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
