Near Terra Ceia in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Home of the De Soto National Memorial
Greetings from Manatee County
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Photographed by John C. Carter, July 10, 2026
1. De Soto National Memorial Marker
De Soto National Memorial in Manatee County preserves a pivotal moment in American history: the 1539 landing of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and his 600-man expedition, the first large-scale European incursion into the Southeast. The 26-acre park, at the mouth of the Manatee River, commemorates de Soto's four-year, 4,000-mile odyssey that reshaped relations with Native tribes, ignited European colonization, and unveiled the Mississippi. Visitors explore living-history demonstrations, trails, and archaeological remnants of this transformative encounter.
Florida's Adventurous Spirit
Erected 2026 by America 250 Florida.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1539.
Location. 27° 35.073′ N, 82° 36.792′ W. Marker is near Terra Ceia, Florida, in Manatee County. It is on Interstate 275 2.4 miles north of Terra Ceia, on the right when traveling north. Located at the South Skyway Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office
this page online
Regionally, this marker and memorial 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Florida Honors and Remembers our POWs and MIAs (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Danger Approaches (about 600 feet away); Realizing a Dream (about 600 feet away); Guerrero Home Site (approx. 1.7 miles away); Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site (approx. 1.8 miles away); Terra Ceia School/Village Improvement Association Hall (approx. 2.1 miles away); Atzeroth Home Site (approx. 2.2 miles away); Franklin C. Armstrong (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by John C. Carter, July 10, 2026
2. De Soto National Memorial
More about this marker. While this marker provides historical information regarding De Soto National Memorial, the actual memorial grounds are located 4.5 miles to the south.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . De Soto National Memorial. National Park Service (Submitted on August 5, 2026.)
Photographed by John C. Carter, July 10, 2026
3. De Soto National Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2026, by John C. Carter of St. Petersburg, Florida. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2026, by John C. Carter of St. Petersburg, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
