The beginnings of America: The DeSoto National Monument

This little section of NW Bradenton is home to many events.  From re-enactments of days long ago, to Luminaries held on special occasions. Those that know it, love it.  The DeSoto National Monument sits snugly in DeSoto National Park just northwest of Bradenton. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to it to see a piece of early American history. DeSoto and his army are long gone, but the mark that they left on this nation, and especially on our little section of it, lives on.

DeSoto’s quest!

In the middle of the 16th century, Hernan DeSoto set out from Spain on an epic journey in search of gold and riches in the new world. He landed in the present day Tampa Bay, and from there set out on an odyssey that would take him around the southern United States. His army was full of mercenaries, professional soldiers, merchants and missionaries, all aiming to make a name for themselves in this recently discovered lands. They never would find the famed El Dorado, but they helped map out this new territory, make way for new settlements, and show Europe that colonizing the new world was a sound investment.  This national park is our nation’s monument to this important historical event.

The park in Bradenton

Bradenton is famous for its beautiful nature, open spaces, ocean access, and national parks. DeSoto National Park is 26 acres of Manatee County, and has 3000 feet of shoreline. Right at the mouth of the Manatee River, this park is full of fun and excitement for people of all ages. There are historical reenactments, fun community events, and plenty of space for just relaxing and taking in the sites. If you are looking for an escape from city life for awhile, then there is no better place to go than this place.

A lot of folks looking for a new home in Bradenton ask me about the things to do in and around town. If you are the kind of person that enjoys nature, parks, and the ocean, then there is no better place for you than DeSoto National Park northwest of Bradenton. Great for history buffs, families, and thrill seekers alike, this is probably the best park that we have in Manatee County, and that’s saying something!