Florida’s Spanish presence dates back to the rugged conquistadors who trail-blazed the European path through its swamps, forests, and rivers in the 16th century.

Hernando De Soto, who assisted in conquering the Incas in Peru, led an expedition to Florida in the summer of 1539.

He made landfall at Tampa bay on May 25th.

De Soto marched his expedition inland and soon battled with Native American tribes, enslaving and sowing destruction along the way. They made their first winter encampment at the main town of the Apalachee Indians, at what is today the site of the Governor Martin house in downtown Tallahassee.

It was here - in 1987 - that archaeologists first found (and identified) traces of De Soto’s path. State archaeologist Calvin Jones and his team discovered vestiges of De Soto and his men including fragments of olive jars, coins, iron crossbow bolt tips, and beads. He also discovered a cooking pit and a cistern.

You can now retrace De Soto’s Path, with a trail guide (and kiosks) provided by the National Park Service.

Written, narrated, and produced by the University of West Florida, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and WUWF Public Media.