DeSoto National Memorial

The mission of De Soto National Memorial is to commemorate Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who landed on the southwest Florida coast in 1539. With an army of 600 soldiers, Soto had come to the new world with a license from the King of Spain to explore, colonize and pacify the Indians of the area known as "La Florida". The expedition faced many hardships throughout the four-year, 4000-mile journey. Programs at the park explain the prevailing 16th century Spanish cultural values and the inevitable clash with the native cultures the expedition encountered. This expedition was the first large scale European mission into the interior of North America. Survivors of the expedition reported the abundance of rich natural resources found in "La Florida".

From late December to early April, Camp Ucita, a reproduction of the 16th Century Indian village that the Soto expedition used as a base camp, is open. Park rangers dressed in period costume give demonstrations of blacksmithing, cooking, armor repair and military weapons of the period. Of special interest is the firing of a military crossbow, and an Arquebus - a primitive black powder weapon that predates the flintlock. The visitor center has a twenty one minute film entitled, "Hernando De Soto in America", and is shown throughout the day. This film depicts the four year, 4000 mile journey of Soto and his men, throughout what is now the southeastern United States. The visitor center offers museum exhibits that relate the story of the expedition and its impacts upon Native Americans and Florida. Included are 16th century artifacts such as armor, weapons, examples of Indian pottery, and projectile points. Detailed maps trace the route of the expedition, highlighting significant incidents and features. An outdoor exhibit on the north porch shows probable archaeological sites associated with the four year trek.