Park Photo

All the Spectral participants that helped make Desoween a success.

First Ever Desoween Night Hike and CampCarnival a Success.

     On October 30^th De Soto National Memorial hosted its first ever Halloween night hike and camp carnival, named Desoween. Activities at the carnival included a costume contest, a frog catapult, a guess whose skull game and a reach into swamp goo for prizes. After dark trail guides led kids and adults into De Soto’s haunted mangroves, where ghost of the past told exciting stories of the park’s history. Some of these highlights included ghostly bells, a lost conquistador, a phantom water maiden and cutouts that came to life. The park would like to thank everyone in the community that came out to support Desoween, and we are already looking forward to Desoween II next year.

Park Photo

Park Rangers demonstrate the firing of the matchlock musket.

CampUzita’s 35^th Season to start on December 13, 2008

     December 13, 2008 De Soto National Memorial’s CampUzita will open its 35^th season with its camp opening events. Highlighted in the opening will be horses from the Florida Cracker Horse Association, with riders dressed in 16^th Century period clothing and armor. There will be weapon demonstrations including the firing of a matchlock musket. Bring the children we will have plenty of activities including American Indian mask painting, pottery, and blacksmithing. Hours for the event will be from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm and admission and all activities are free.

File Photo

A re-enactor talks to a visitor about the history of the Cracker Horse.

De Soto National Memorial Invites You to Five Centuries of Florida History in One Day

Come experience Florida’s unique history through the eyes of over twenty re-enactors. On Saturday March 28^th, join us as we host re-enactors representing people from all key periods of Florida history. Visit with Spanish conquistadors, Seminole warriors, Florida Crackers, and soldiers from the Civil War to Vietnam.