Arcadia in DeSoto County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

DeSoto County

Photographed by Michael Cece, circa 2025

1. DeSoto County Marker

Inscription. Named after the great Spanish conquistador and Florida explorer Hernando De Soto, the county was created out of Manatee County in 1887. The area's original inhabitants were Caloosa Indians. In early Florida history the region was the scene of numerous Indian battles. The county's 416,640 acres offer a diversified economy of citrus, cattle, agriculture and industry. Arcadia is the county seat.

Erected by Florida Board of Parks and Memorials. (Marker Number F-61.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 27° 12.903′ N, 81° 51.515′ W. Marker is in Arcadia, Florida, in DeSoto County. It is at the intersection of East Oak Street and Brevard Avenue (U.S. 17), on the left when traveling east on East Oak Street. The marker is located on the front lawn of the DeSoto County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 East Oak Street, Arcadia FL 34266, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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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 one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: DeSoto County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); DeSoto County Veterans Memorial Flag Pole (a few steps from this marker); DeSoto County World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Arcadia Historic District (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arcadia City Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Florida Baptist Orphanage (approx. 0.6 miles away); Arcadia Oak Ridge Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); The British Plot (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arcadia.

Photographed by PaulwC3, March 14, 2014

2. DeSoto County Marker

Wide view of the DeSoto County Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by PaulwC3, March 14, 2014

3. Wide view of the DeSoto County Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,058 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 13, 2025, by Michael Cece of Sarasota, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on March 23, 2014, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.