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

Across the Wide River

— De Soto National Memorial —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

1. Across the Wide River Marker

Inscription. De Soto reached the Mississippi River in May of 1541. The expedition's supplies were nearly gone. It was a decision point: would they head south to the sea, sail to Cuba, and re-stock their supplies? Or would they continue in search of promised treasure? De Soto made the choice: they would push on.

Despite warnings from the Indigenous people on the river's east bank--and a show of force from a large, organized fleet of war canoes from the far bank--the expedition spent a month building four huge rafts. Before dawn on June 18, De Soto sent a group of fighters across. Once they had cleared and guarded a landing site, the rest of the expedition--hundreds of people, plus horses and the dwindling herd of pigs--loaded onto the rafts and crossed the great river.

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 date for this entry is June 18, 1541.

Location. 27° 31.475′ N, 82° 38.481′ W. Marker is in Palma Sola, 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 (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Battle of Mabila (within shouting distance of this marker); Cofitachequi (within shouting distance of this marker); Driven Out of Chicaza (within shouting distance of this marker); A Punishing Winter (within shouting distance of this marker); Back to Angola (within shouting distance of this marker); Death of a Conquistador (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Long and Fruitless March (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palma Sola.

Other markers no longer nearby. Tabby House Ruins (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); De Soto Point (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Across the Wide River Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

2. Across the Wide River Marker - wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.