Augusta in Richmond County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
De Soto In Georgia
In May 1539 Hernando de Soto landed in Florida with over 600 people, 220 horses and mules, and a herd of swine 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 that the De Soto expedition crossed the Savannah River in this general area, April 17, 1540. The Spanish crossed the swift river where it was divided by an island and moved into South Carolina. Forty foot soldiers tied themselves together and crossed safely in water that reached up to the saddlebags of the cavalry`s horses.
Erected 1990 by Georgia Historic Marker. (Marker Number 121-50.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1902.
Location. 33° 28.706′ N, 81° 57.847′ W. Marker is in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. Marker is on Riverwalk (river side) near 8th Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Augusta GA 30901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Great Indian Warrior / Trading Path (a few steps from this marker); Indians (within shouting distance of this marker); Founding of Augusta (within shouting distance of this marker); Industrial Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton (within shouting distance of this marker); William Bartram Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Floods (within shouting distance of this marker); The Levee (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Augusta.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The De Soto Trail in Georgia
Also see . . . Hernando de Soto in Georgia. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry:
De Soto passed through Georgia twice during his famous exploration. (Submitted on August 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,719 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on February 8, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on June 27, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.