Annual De Soto Landing Event Set for April 16

BRANDENTON, FL – History buffs will have two chances next weekend to witness history repeat itself.

The De Soto National Memorial, 8300 De Soto Memorial Highway, will host the 77th Annual De Soto Landing Event on Saturday, April 16 when it recreates the landing of Hernando de Soto. De Soto landed 477 years ago on the shores of Florida.

Reenactors will make landfall by the monuments along the cove at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., claiming the land of La Florida for the crown of Spain. The reenactors will then give first-hand accounts of the Europeans who traveled more than 4,000 miles in search of riches and glories. They will also tell tales of clashes with the tribes of the American Southeast, and their ultimate failure in the accursed land of La Florida.

Living history park rangers and reenactors from all over Florida will take visitors on historical walks and tours, and demonstrate the weapons used by the Native Americans and the Europeans. Black powder weapons will be fired throughout the day.

Children’s activities will be available, such as a touch table and the ability to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

The Desoto Landing Event kicks off National Parks Week, which this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission and all activities are free. Activities are subject to change due to weather.

Image courtesy of the De Soto National Memorial

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