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.
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