Last updated: April 10, 2021
Place
Hernando de Soto Site on the Natchez Trace, Milepost 243.3
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez Trace Parkway, milepost 243.3
Significance:
Natchez Trace History
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table
Hernando de Soto and his conquistadors spent the winter of 1540-1541 near the present-day Natchez Trace Parkway in an abandoned Chickasaw village. Historians believe the Spanish camp was farther west of this location off the Parkway. During the spring of 1541 de Soto demanded 200 porters from the Chickasaw Nation. The Chickasaw’s refused de Soto’s request and attacked the Spanish camp. The Spanish lost about 40 men and most of their supplies.
Hernando de Soto himself died in May of 1542. The de Soto expedition is controversial, he is thought of by some as a great military leader. Many others view him as destructive, brutal and arrogant. His expedition through the Southeast US can be summed up by one the Spanish survivors “Our quest for new colonies and treasures of gold was a failure. As survivors we were happy to just escape with our lives.”
Hernando de Soto himself died in May of 1542. The de Soto expedition is controversial, he is thought of by some as a great military leader. Many others view him as destructive, brutal and arrogant. His expedition through the Southeast US can be summed up by one the Spanish survivors “Our quest for new colonies and treasures of gold was a failure. As survivors we were happy to just escape with our lives.”