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.

De Soto Monument

Reenactor Bill Boston on his horse Dixie in front of the 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

De Soto Tim Burke greets on of the parks Junior Rangers

Sunset at De Soto

The Sunsets on another day at De Soto NM

Sunset at the Park