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Hernando De Soto Landmark: A Glimpse into Early American Exploration

Explore the legacy of Hernando De Soto in Tupelo, Mississippi, at this landmark commemorating early European exploration of America.

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The Hernando De Soto Landmark in Tupelo, Mississippi, commemorates the Spanish explorer's expedition through the Southeast in the early 1540s. The monument marks the area where De Soto and his men spent the winter of 1540-1541 and provides insight into the interactions between Europeans and Native American tribes during this period.

A brief summary to Hernando De Soto Landmark

  • 499-429 MS-6, Tupelo, Mississippi, 38804, US

Local tips

  • Take time to read the informative plaques around the landmark to fully understand the historical context of Hernando De Soto's expedition.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center to learn more about the interactions between De Soto and the Chickasaw.
  • Reflect on the broader historical context of European exploration and its impact on Native American cultures.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Hernando De Soto Landmark is located at 499-429 MS-6, Tupelo, MS 38804. From downtown Tupelo, head east on Main Street, then turn left onto MS-6 East. Continue for approximately 1.3 miles; the landmark will be on your left. There is no fee for parking.

  • Walking

    If starting from Tupelo City Hall, walk east on E Main St for about 0.5 miles. Continue straight to stay on E Main St. After 0.6 miles, turn left onto MS-6 E. Walk along MS-6 for approximately 1.3 miles to find the Hernando De Soto Landmark on your left at 499-429 MS-6. There are no costs associated with walking.

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Discover more about Hernando De Soto Landmark

The Hernando De Soto Landmark in Tupelo, Mississippi, stands as a reminder of the early European exploration of the American continent. Named for the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, the landmark attracts those keen to learn about the region's history. De Soto is credited as the first European to cross the Mississippi River. Visitors will find informative plaques detailing De Soto's journey across the Southeast, highlighting his encounters with Native American tribes and the landscapes he traversed. The site serves as a platform for reflecting on the broader historical context of European exploration in the Americas, allowing tourists to appreciate the complexities of cultural encounters and the lasting influence of these early expeditions. The monument, erected in 1923 by the Colonial Dames of America, consists of a bronze plaque fixed to a pink granite boulder. De Soto's expedition, which began in 1539, explored territory from Florida to Arkansas. The winter encampment near Tupelo placed the explorers in close proximity to the Chickasaw Indian tribe. As spring arrived, De Soto's demand for porters led to conflict, with the Chickasaw attacking the Spanish camp and destroying many of their supplies. Despite these setbacks, De Soto continued westward toward the Mississippi River. While the landmark itself is relatively understated, its significance lies in the stories it tells and the history it preserves. Visitors can walk around the area, taking in the natural beauty while reflecting on the adventures and challenges faced by explorers of the past.

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