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) |
| 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 |
The 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 an important event from 1539. It marks where Hernando de Soto and his group first landed in Florida. This was the start of the first big European exploration of what is now the southern United States.
The memorial covers about 27 acres (11 hectares). It is located where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay. Most of this area is a mangrove swamp, with about 3,000 feet (914 meters) of coastline.
De Soto's Big Journey
In May 1539, Hernando de Soto led a large group of over 600 soldiers. They landed near Tampa Bay in nine ships. These ships carried many supplies for their journey. They brought 220 horses, a herd of pigs, and even war dogs. They also had cannons, muskets, armor, tools, and food. Their mission from King Charles V was to explore and claim the land called La Florida.
De Soto's group hoped to find gold and other treasures. However, they did not find what they were looking for. Instead, they traveled from one village to another. They often took food and forced native people to help them as guides and carriers. This difficult journey lasted four years and covered about 4,000 miles (6,400 km). Many people suffered and died during this time.
The De Soto expedition greatly changed the American Southeast. It also made Spain rethink its plans in the New World. Even though it was a tough journey, survivors wrote down what they saw. Their stories about the native cultures and the rich land became a lasting record.
Historians still discuss the exact spot where De Soto landed. The memorial's location at the mouth of the Manatee River is thought to be a likely landing place. De Soto himself described the area as swampy and full of tall, thick forests.
Remembering History
The De Soto National Memorial was officially created by Congress on March 11, 1948. Later, on October 15, 1966, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed under the name Shaw's Point Archeological District.
The main goal of the De Soto National Memorial is to share the story of this exploration. It helps visitors understand its importance in American history. You can see people dressed in historical clothes. You can even try on a piece of armor. There are also nature trails that show what Florida looked like 500 years ago.
Things to Do and See
At the visitor center, you can explore different exhibits. These include old armor, weapons from the 16th century, and other historical items. There is also a movie called Hernando de Soto in America. It tells about the DeSoto Expedition and the Native American people who lived here. A bookstore is also available for visitors.
During the cooler months, from December to April, you can visit Camp Uzita. This is a living history camp where you can see what life was like back then. The season ends with a special event. People re-enact De Soto's landing on the beaches of Tampa Bay.
Other fun activities at the park include walking on nature trails. You can also go fishing, watch birds, or have a picnic. The best part is that park admission is free for everyone!
More to Explore
- List of national memorials of the United States
- Narváez expedition, another early Spanish journey that started near Tampa Bay
See also
In Spanish: Memorial nacional de De Soto para niños
