Macon in Bibb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

De Soto in Georgia

Photographed By David Seibert, 1992

1. DeSoto in Georgia Marker

Inscription. In May 1539 Hernando de Soto landed in Florida with over 600 people, 220 horses and mules, and a herd reserved for famine. Fired by his success in Pizarro's conquest of Peru, De Soto had been granted the rights, by the King of Spain, to explore, then govern, southeastern North America.

After wintering in Tallahassee, the de Soto expedition set out on a quest for gold which eventually spanned four years and crossed portions of nine states. This was the first recorded European exploration of the interior of the Southeast. Over 300 members died on the expedition, including De Soto in 1542. This tremendous effort forever changed the lives of the Indians who were infected with old world diseases, killed in battle, enslaved, made destitute and sometimes befriended.

Many scholars believe this was the general area where De Soto spent March 23 - April 2, 1540. During this period De Soto visited the Chiefdom of Ichisi.

Members of the expedition erected a cross and held religious services at the principal town on April 1, then traveled eastward.

Erected 1990 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 011-22.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion

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• Colonial Era • Exploration • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1539.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 32° 50.064′ N, 83° 36.91′ W. Marker was in Macon, Georgia, in Bibb County. Marker was on Willie Smokie Glover Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located in the Macon City Park, near the levee. It can only be reached on foot. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Macon GA 31201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Jefferson Davis in Macon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tony Perez (approx. 0.3 miles away); Central City Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ron Fairly (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chipper Jones (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Odom (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rondell White (approx. 0.3 miles away); Andruw Jones (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Macon.

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Photographed By Ken Moser, October 3, 2009

2. De Soto in Georgia Marker

Marker has been broken off.

this marker. The marker has been broken off its post as of 10/03/2009.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. More De Soto in Georgia Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,010 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on February 8, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1. submitted on October 9, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2. submitted on October 17, 2009, by Ken Moser of Cartersville, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.