De Soto National Memorial facts for kids
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De Soto National Memorial
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Manatee County, Florida, United States |
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| Nearest city | Bradenton |
| Area | 26.84 acres (10.86 ha) |
| Built | 1539 |
| Visitation | 240,172 (2005) |
| Website | De Soto National Memorial |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000078 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NMEM | March 11, 1948 |
De Soto National Memorial is a special place in Manatee County, Florida. It is about 5 miles (8 km) west of Bradenton. This memorial remembers the landing of Hernando de Soto in 1539. It also marks the first big trip by Europeans into what is now the southern United States.
The memorial covers about 26 acres (10.5 hectares) of land. This is where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay. It has 3,000 feet (914 meters) of coastline. A large part of the area, about 80%, is a mangrove swamp.
De Soto's Big Trip
In May 1539, Hernando de Soto and his army of over 600 soldiers arrived in the Tampa Bay area. They came on nine ships. These ships carried many supplies, including 220 horses and a herd of pigs. They also brought war dogs, cannons, and armor. Their goal was to "conquer, populate, and pacify" the land for King Charles V of Spain.
De Soto's group was looking for gold and other treasures. But they did not find what they hoped for. Instead, they traveled from one village to another. They took food and made the native people into slaves. These enslaved people were used as guides and to carry things.
This journey lasted four years and covered about 4,000 miles (6,400 km). Hundreds of lives were lost during this difficult trip. The de Soto expedition changed the American Southeast forever. It also made Spain think differently about its role in the New World. The stories from the survivors about the native cultures and the rich land became the most important part of the journey.
A Place of History
This national memorial was officially approved on March 11, 1948. Like all historic places managed by the National Park Service, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. It was named the Shaw's Point Archeological District.
The main purpose of De Soto National Memorial is to share the important story of this exploration. It helps people understand its meaning in American history. Visitors can watch live history shows. They can also try on a piece of armor. Or they can walk a nature trail through a Florida coastal area. This area looks much like it did when the Spanish explorers arrived almost 500 years ago.
Things to Do
At the visitor center, you can see many interesting things. These include old armor, 16th-century weapons, and other items from that time. There is also a theater that shows a movie called Hernando de Soto in America. This film is about the DeSoto Expedition and the Native American people who lived in the area. You can also find a bookstore there.
During the cooler months, from December to April, you can visit Camp Uzita. This is a living history camp. It shows what life was like back then. The season ends with a re-enactment of DeSoto's landing on the beaches of Tampa Bay.
Other fun things to do at the park include:
- Walking on nature trails
- Going on guided trail walks
- Fishing
- Watching birds
- Having a picnic
Entry to the park is free for everyone.
See also
In Spanish: Memorial nacional de De Soto para niños
