De Soto National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
Driving Directions: From I-75 Take exit 220 SR 64/Manatee Ave, Gulf Beaches exit. Travel west on SR 64 for approximately 12 miles to 75th St. W. Turn right onto 75th St. W. travel north approximately 2 miles to the northern terminus 75th St. W. turns into De Soto Memorial Hwy and dead ends into the park.
- Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Living History
- Reenactments
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- Paddling
- Kayaking
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Maritime
- Maritime - Military
- Ships and Shipwrecks
- Military
- Indigenous and Native Warrior
- Native American Heritage
- Tragic Events
- Massacres
- Wars and Conflicts
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Animals
- Birds
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Estuaries and Mangroves
- Wetlands
- Marshes
- Swamps
De Soto Monument
Reenactor Bill Boston on his horse Dixie in front of the De Soto Monument.
De Soto and the Junior Ranger
De Soto Tim Burke greets on of the parks Junior Rangers
Sunset at De Soto
The Sunsets on another day at De Soto NM
De Soto Ranchero Fish Camps
Superintendent Souder helps a young fisherman show off his catch at the De Soto Ranchero Fish Camp