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A Bloody Four Year Battle in the New World

On a swelteringly hot day in May 1539, Spaniard Hernando de Soto splashed ashore at Tampa Bay intent on capturing the riches of La Florida by any means necessary. His army was alternately welcomed and opposed by Native American tribes throughout what is now the Southeastern United States in a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery.

 
An Interprtive Ranger puts on a childrens program at camp Uzita.

Living History at Camp Uzita!

Come out to De Soto National Memorial from December to the end of April and experience history up close. Every day from 10:00 to 4:00 De Soto National Memorial volunteers and staff give programs and demonstrations of life in the 16th Century. Program times are 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 & 2:30 daily with Junior Ranger events held on the weekends from noon to 4:00. 

 

 
De Soto National Mmeorial New Junior Ranger Book!

Come Participate in De Soto National Memorial's Junior Ranger program

Come out and join us at the park and make history fun! All Junior Rangers get their own book, pencil, and compass and a chance to earn their own Junior Ranger badge.
more...

 
Living history volunteer dressed in period clothing

Explore the Legacy of the De Soto Expedition

Download the collected descriptions of the De Soto Expedition that compose the Chronicles and other related stories of the De Soto Expedition and the Native Americans they encountered.

more . . .

 
Calendar of events at De Soto National Memorial

Check out what is happening at your National Park!

Come and check out our calendar of upcoming events at De Soto National Memorial. Their are things new and exciting happening all year round at your local National Park. We invite you to come and bring the family and participate, all events and activities are open to the public and free of charge.
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Write to

De Soto National Memorial
P.O. Box 15390
Bradenton, FL 34280

Phone

Visitor Information
(941) 792-0458 ext. 105

Fax

(941) 792-5094

Climate

Winter is normally mild with occasional periods of temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Summer is normally hot and muggy with both temperature and humidity exceeding 90. Click the "more" link below to be redirected to a site which features local weather conditions.
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Communities Surrounding De Soto National Memorial
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Holmes Beach, FL (13 min. ) Pop. 4,966
Bradenton, FL (14 min. ) Pop. 49,504
Cortez, FL (17 min. ) Pop. 4,491
Bradenton Beach, FL (17 min. ) Pop. 1,482
Palmetto, FL (19 min. ) Pop. 12,571
Anna Maria, FL (20 min. ) Pop. 1,814
Ellenton, FL (20 min. ) Pop. 3,142
Oneco, FL (21 min. )
Longboat Key, FL (23 min. ) Pop. 7,603
Terra Ceia, FL (24 min. )
Tallevast, FL (27 min. )
Parrish, FL (29 min. )
Sarasota, FL (31 min. ) Pop. 52,715
Sun City, FL (34 min. )
Saint Petersburg, FL (45 min. ) Pop. 248,232