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Description:
De Soto National Memorial commemorates the landing and legacy of the 1539 expedition of Hernando De Soto. This particular Entrada (Spanish for foray) began when six hundred twenty two Spanish conquistadors, two hundred twenty horses and a pack of vicious war dogs splashed ashore in the lower Tampa Bay area of Florida in May of 1539. What followed were violent encounters with Native Americans while searching fruitlessly for a civilization possessing gold and jewels like the Aztecs of Mexico or the Incas of Peru. Four years later, with Soto dead and half his men gone, the expedition found its way back to Spanish settlements in Mexico. Eventually, the descriptions of new peoples and abundant lands provided by participants would help to inspire other Europeans to colonize North America. From December 15, 2002, through April 20, 2003, at Camp Ucita, Park Rangers dressed as Conquistadors bring this clash of 16th Century Spanish and Native American culture to life. Directions:
Plane - Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (20 miles) Tampa International Airport (50 miles)
Car - De Soto National Memorial is located at the northern terminus of 75th Street North West, Bradenton, Florida. Visitors can reach the park from I-75 or I-275. From I-75 follow State Road 64 west (also Manatee Avenue), for approximately twelve miles to 75th Street West. Turn right (north) onto 75th Street West, and proceed two and five-tenths miles to the park entrance and the terminus of 75th Street. From I-275 exit 1, follow US-19 into Bradenton. Turn west onto State Road 64, for approximately five miles to 75th Street West. Turn right (north) onto 75th Street West, and proceed two and five-tenths miles to the park entrance and the terminus of 75th Street.
Public Transportation - Several commercial bus lines serve the area, however, none stop at the memorial.
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