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

A Long and Fruitless March

— De Soto National Memorial —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

1. A Long and Fruitless March Marker

Inscription. With their commander dead, and their supplies gone, the expedition's goals shifted from conquest to escape. De Soto's plan had been to build boats, descend the Mississippi, and sail for Cuba. But commander Luis de Moscoso chose instead to march overland to Mexico.

It was the wrong decision. As they moved west and south the forests and rich valleys melted away, leaving dry, open grasslands. There were fewer villages and crops so the expedition could not feed themselves through conquest and theft.

After some 400 miles, and two scouting parties that brought back dismal reports, Moscoso turned the group around. They retraced their path and returned to the Mississippi.

Erected 2025 by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 27° 31.425′ N, 82° 38.548′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from Desoto Memorial Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, 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: Escape Down the Mississippi River (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Death of a Conquistador (within shouting distance of this marker); A Land Transformed (within shouting distance of this marker); Struggle and Resistance (within shouting distance of this marker); A Stroke of Luck (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Punishing Winter (about 400 feet away); Tabby House on the Seashore (about 400 feet away); Landfall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Tabby House Ruins (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

A Long and Fruitless March Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, March 11, 2026

2. A Long and Fruitless March 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 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.