The Wandering Disciple

A Gumbo Limbo Tree grows wildly from the ground at the De Soto National Monument. Bursera Simaruba, the formal name for the Gumbo Limbo Tree is a tropical tree that is found in tropical regions of the Americas. But it also boasts a funny nickname, the tourist tree. It gets that name from the bark which is usually red and peeling much like a tourist not familiar with the tropical sun. (Photo: January 19, 2011)

Along the banks of the Manatee River is where Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto made is initial landing in America during his exploration.  From 1539 until his death in 1542, de Soto explored the southern United States and westward through Louisiana/Texas.  (Photo: January 19, 2011)

The Spanish flag flies high over the Desoto National Monument. It is on this tiny peninsula near the mouth of Tampa Bay where Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto arrived in May 1539. (Photo: January 19, 2011)

This commemorative monument inside the De Soto National Monument park marks the trailhead for the De Soto Trail. The trail closely resembles the Florida campaign of Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto during his 1539 exploration of Florida. The trail features 34 spots of interest and extends from Bradenton to the Florida Panhandle. (Photo: January 19, 2011)

Bradenton, Florida: On a tiny stretch of land where the Tampa Bay meets the Manatee River sits a National Memorial dedicated to the Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto and his expedition for riches in La Florida. De Soto National Memorial is a 25 acre park that helps tell the story of De Soto and his landing here on what is today referred to as De Soto Point. In May of 1539, De Soto and his crew of over 600 soldiers sailed their nine ships into the mouth of Tampa Bay. The arrived in the new world to settle a colony for Spain and look for the riches the new world had to offer. When they arrived, their ship was loaded with 200 horses, pigs and dogs to help conquer the Indian tribes. De Soto left a crew of 100 to set up a colony here on the point while the rest of his party ventured further inland in search of gold and other riches. The journey would eventually take them over 4,000 miles thorough the Southeastern United States. The journey was rough, fighting with the Indians eve...