Attachment_C_DESO_Wayside_Exhibit_Proposal.pdf

PDF 23 MB Posted Jul 3, 2025

Attached to: HAFC_DESO_WE_INSTALLATION Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number: 140P2125Q0137
Issued by: Department of the Interior National Park Service

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI · Jul 3, 2025

This document is a final wayside exhibit proposal for De Soto National Memorial Park, developed by the National Park Service in March 2024. The comprehensive proposal details 31 wayside exhibits and 2 pedestrian directional signs to be installed throughout the park, focusing on interpreting the history of the De Soto expedition, Native American communities, local ecology, and historical human settlements in the area.

The exhibits are designed with uniformity, using double-sided aluminum panels in NPS medium gray, predominantly mounted in-ground with fins or on rails, and ranging in size from 36" x 24" to 36" x 48". Each exhibit is strategically located across different park areas including the visitor center, chickee hut, boardwalk, nature trail, and trail intersections. The proposed exhibits cover diverse topics such as De Soto's expedition route, Native American life, wildlife, mangrove ecosystems, archaeological sites, and the broader historical and environmental context of the region, with recommendations for graphic content, site preparation, and potential future modifications.

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Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Other files attached to HAFC_DESO_WE_INSTALLATION, newest first.
File	Type	Posted
Attachment_F_DESO_Wayside_Exhibit_Plan.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_N_Past_Performance_Questionnaire.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_O_-_DESO_Cost_Estimate.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jul 3, 2025
Sol_140P2125Q0137.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_A_Wayside_Exhibit_Specifications.docx	DOCX document	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_D_DESO_Fabrication_Drawings.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_G_VIS_Manual.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_B_Programmatic_Accessibility_Guidelines.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025
Attachment_H_Approximate_Wayside_Locations.pdf	PDF	Jul 3, 2025

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Final Wayside Exhibit Proposal

De Soto National Memorial Park

National Park Service | March 2024

Attachment C, DESO Final Wayside Exhibit Proposal

D E S O T O

P A N E L

No. Subject

00A Park Orientation

Material

Double sided aluminum

Material

Painted aluminum

Color

NPS Medium Gray

Mount

In ground w/ fins

Location

Parking lot

B A S E

Description

Upright 36” x 48”

M a r c h 2 0 2 4

Wayside Exhibits

01A De Soto Orientation (top right)

00B Tactile of park map

01B De Soto Land Route (top left)

02 De Soto Trail Marker

03 Native Americans

04 Native American Communities

05A Native Home on Mound

05B Tactile of artifact

06 Camp Uzita

08 Trail Orientation with safety messages

07 Panoramic View

Bronze (30”x20”)

Single sided aluminum

Double sided aluminum

Single sided aluminum

Double sided aluminum

Single sided aluminum

Bronze (8”x8”)

Double sided aluminum

Use Existing Structure (upright w/ low profile) 28” x 46”

Map Table 30” x 20”

Use Existing Structure (upright w/ low profile) 56” x 46”

Low profile 36” x 24”

Use Existing Structure (triple upright)

(3) 38” x 84”

Low profile 36” x 24”

Use Existing Structure 36” x 24”

Upright 36” x 48”

Low profile 42” x 24”

Painted aluminum

Black

NPS Medium Gray

Black

NPS Medium Gray

Flange

In ground w/ fins

In ground

In ground w/ fins

‘Flower pot’

In ground w/ fins

Sled Base (‘flower pot’ weights)

Visitor Center

Parking lot

Chickee Hut

Uzita

Trail Entrance

Berm Area

09 Landing

11 Expedition through Florida

10 Juan Ortiz

Double sided aluminum

Low profile 36” x 24”

Painted aluminum

NPS Medium Gray

In ground w/ fins

Trail

No. Subject

12 Mangrove Wildlife

Material

Double sided aluminum

Material

Painted aluminum

Color

NPS Medium Gray

Mount

Rail mount

Location

Boardwalk

B A S E

Description

Rail mount 36” x 24”

M a r c h 2 0 2 4

Wayside Exhibits

14 Rising sea levels

13 Mangroves

15A Winter Encampment

15B Tactile of artifact

16A Tabby House

16B Tactile of tabby

17 Lady of Cofitachequi

18 Battle of Mabila

19 Angola Village

20 2nd Winter Encampment

22 Death of De Soto

21 Crossing the Mississippi

Double sided aluminum

Single sided aluminum

Bronze (8”x8”)

Single sided aluminum

Tabby

Double sided aluminum

Rail mount 36” x 24”

Low profile 42” x 24”

Low profile 36” x 24”

Painted aluminum

NPS Medium Gray

Rail mount

In ground w/ fins

Boardwalk

Trail

23 Long March into Texas/Escape to Mexico

24 Trail Orientation

Double sided aluminum

Low profile 36” x 24”

Upright 36” x 48”

Painted aluminum

NPS Medium Gray

In ground w/ fins

No. Subject

25 Escape down the Mississippi

P A N E L

No. Subject

01 Directional

Material

Double sided aluminum

Material

Single sided aluminum

Material

Painted aluminum

Material

Painted aluminum

Color

NPS Medium Gray

Color

NPS Medium Gray

Mount

In ground w/ fins

Mount

In ground

Location

Trail

Location

Trail Intersection

B A S E

Description

Low profile 36” x 24”

B A S E

Description

Post 8” x 8” x 48”

M a r c h 2 0 2 4

Wayside Exhibits

Pedestrian Directional (proposal only)

28 Birds of the Bay

27 Wildlife of the Bay

26 Impact of Expedition

29 Rancheros

30 Shell Ridge

31 Trail Orientation

02 Directional

Double sided aluminum

Single sided aluminum

Low profile 36” x 24”

Rail mount 36” x 24”

Upright 36” x 48”

Post 8” x 8” x 48”

Painted aluminum

NPS Medium Gray

In ground w/ fins

Rail

In ground w/ fins

In ground

Trail

Long Trail

Lower Trail

Trail Intersection

D E S O T O M a r c h 2 0 2 4

EX 00

EX 02

EX 01

EX 13

EX 16

EX 07

EX 08

EX 10

EX 11

EX 12

EX 15

EX 17

EX 18

EX 19

EX 14

EX 09

EX 06

EX 03

EX 04

EX 05

EX 20

EX 21

EX 22

EX 23

EX 24

EX 29

EX 27

EX 28

EX 25

EX 26

PD 02

PD 01

EX 30

EX 31

Orientation

The De Soto Story

Natural & Local History

Pedestrian Directional

B A S E - P R O P O S E D

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Park Orientation

Size: 36” x 48” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To provide orientation to the park. Encourage visitor to walk the trails to learn about the 1739-1742 Spanish expedition led by conquistador Hernando de Soto—and the expedition’s effects on the landscape and peoples of the American Southeast. Along the way they’ll also find stories of local and natural history, including Cuban fishing camps, escaped slaves, and the ecology of the mangrove habitat.

Graphics

• Map

• Contemporary and historic images (2-3)

Recommendations

• Add a park-wide orientation exhibit that visitors will see as they enter the park from the parking lot.

• Move the tactile map to this new location.

Location Near Parking Lot

Lat: 27.52360° N Lon: 82.64455° W

Description Single upright.

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Remove existing regulatory signs.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 00ADe Soto National Memorial Park

Highlight of park experience -w map

Photo of park

Highlight of De Soto -w illustration

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Tactile Map of Park

Size: 30” x 20” Material: Bronze

Purpose To provide accessible tactile map of the park with braille and raised letters. Identify village, boardwalk, VC, marker, and trails.

Graphics

• NA

Recommendations

• Move tactile map to park-wide orientation exhibit location, near the parking lot.

• Map surface at 10% angle per NPS guidelines.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 01BDe Soto National Memorial Park

Location Near Parking Lot

Lat: 27.52360° N Lon: 82.64455° W

Description Map table.

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Freestanding

Site Preparation Remove existing regulatory signs.

B A S E - E X I S T I N G

T H U M B N A I LSubject: De Soto Orientation

Size: 28” x 46” Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose To provide an overview of De Soto and his expedition: the man, the context, the purpose, and the aftermath. To orient visitors to this site: This spot was chosen to tell the story because De Soto’s expedition of conquest began here in Tampa Bay.

Graphics

• Historic image of shell midden (Park to provide)

• Illustration of De Soto

Recommendations

• Use existing structure and attach (construction adhesive and VHB tape) new exhibits over top of existing porcelain exhibits.

• Reverser order from current layout so that orientation is on the left (as one would read a book)

Location Visitor Center back patio

Lat: 27.52395° N Lon: 82.64400° W

Description Existing - upright with reader rail

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum Black Flange

Site Preparation NA- using existing structure. Clean exhibit surface thoroughly for good adhesion.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 01ADe Soto National Memorial Park

Illustration of De Soto

Background illustration from Unigrid or Hermann Trappman

T H U M B N A I LSubject: De Soto Land Route

Size: 56” x 46” Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose To give a map-based overview of the De Soto expedition: its timeline, the people it impacted, and the major events along the way.

Graphics

• Map (from Unigrid)

Recommendations

• Use existing structure and attach (construction adhesive and VHB tape) new exhibits over top of existing porcelain exhibits.

• Make this map consistent with the new Unigrid.

• Reverser order from current layout so that orientation is on the left (as one would read a book)

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 01BDe Soto National Memorial Park

Location Visitor Center back patio

Lat: 27.52395° N Lon: 82.64400° W

Description Existing - upright with reader rail

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum Black Flange

Site Preparation NA- using existing structure. Clean exhibit surface thoroughly for good adhesion.

Map from Unigrid Highlights of the expedition

T H U M B N A I LSubject: De Soto Trail Marker

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the monument as a commemoration of De Soto’s expedition and its historical importance. It was dedicated in 1939, during the 400th anniversary of De Soto’s landfall.

In 1948 the monument and surrounding land were donated to the National Park Service.

Graphics

• Historic image (HFC to provide)

Recommendations

• Replace base (damaged and not wheelchair accessible height)

Location Visitor Center (walkway from parking lot)

Lat: 27.523822° N Lon: 82.644372° W

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Remove existing base.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 02De Soto National Memorial Park

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Native Americans

Size: 38” x 84” (quantity 3) Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose [no text] To provide an immersive, visual impression of daily life in a traditional hut such as this one, prior to the arrival of the Spanish under De Soto.

Graphics

• New illustration to visualize Native Americans living in Chickee hut around time of De

Soto’s arrival and surrounding area. Life pre-Spanish contact. Activities performed inside of the hut.

Recommendations

• Attach (construction adhesive and VHB tape) new panels on top of existing porcelain panels.

Location Chickee Hut (right side)

Lat: 27.523778° N Lon: 82.644675° W

Description Upright

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS brown In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Use existing structure. Clean exhibit surface thoroughly for good adhesion.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 03De Soto National Memorial Park

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Native American Communities

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the Native American groups who had lived here for centuries before European contact. Descendants of these original inhabitants, including Tocagabo and Uzita—two villages near this site—maintain their connections to this homeland.

Graphics

• New illustration to depict various Native American tribes that lived in the area.

Possible birds-eye view, depicting communities traveling and engaging in commerce.

Recommendations

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Existing structures needs to be removed (large tri-panel exhibit and two fi ures).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 04De Soto National Memorial Park

Location Chickee Hut (right side)

Lat: 27.523778° N Lon: 82.644675° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Native Home on Mound

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the mural in EX 03–explaining some of the details and artifacts in the illustration.

Graphics

• Illustration of native home (HFC has located artwork in archives)

• Highlights/closeups from large illustration

• Artifact images and tactile.

Recommendations

• Include artifact tactile

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 05ADe Soto National Memorial Park

Chickee Hut (left side)

Lat: 27.523778° N Lon: 82.644675° W

Bronze artifact

TBD

Highlights from Chickee hut mural

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Native Home on Mound

Size: 8” x 8” Material: Bronze

Purpose To interpret the tactile artifact on display.

Graphics

• NA

Recommendations

• Move artifact tactile from artifact exhibit outside visitor center.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 05BDe Soto National Memorial Park

Chickee Hut (left side)

Lat: 27.523778° N Lon: 82.644675° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Camp Uzita

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To explain that what you see here today is a reconstruction of Uzita, a Native American village that De Soto and his forces took over when they landed in La Florida, and operated as a base camp for several months. The actual site of Uzita village/encampment was about 13 miles to the north of here. The Spaniards used the traditionally-built huts, but also added features such as a palisade wall (also reconstructed here).

Graphics

• New illustration showing soldiers living inside this village and horses in a corral area.

• Map showing where landing site is located about 13 miles north.

Recommendations

• Repaint base with NPS medium gray

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Location Uzita

Lat: 27.523445° N Lon: 82.644813° W

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Weighted base

Site Preparation Existing panel needs to be removed. Paint exhibit base to match NPS medium gray.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 06De Soto National Memorial Park

Map showing location along expedition route

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Panoramic View

Size: 42” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the features of this view: Manatee River, Emerson Point, Skyway Bridge, St.

Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Egmont Key, Ana Maria Island, Palmetto, Bradenton. To place these features in context of the De Soto Expedition: its arrival in Tampa Bay would have been witnessed from this point by Native Americans who lived here, and that the Spaniards would have seen villages and people on shore. Evidence of those villages is all around, including the archaeological site across the river on Emerson Point.

Graphics

• Aerial image (NPS provided) of area.

Recommendations

• Use a drone to take background image.

• Move exhibit to the right of the bump-out (where they put the cannon).

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Sled base

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 07De Soto National Memorial Park

Berm area

Lat: 27.524053° N Lon: 82.644295° W

Locations highlighted You Are Here

De Soto boat route

Google Earth or drone image

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Trail Orientation with Safety Messages

Size: 36” x 48” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To provide orientation to the trails, safety information, and access information to trail. To explain that the exhibits along this trail will provide a timeline of the De Soto expedition, as well as information about the natural history of the mangrove forest, and human stories from this place throughout history.

Regulatory information including ‘No drone’, ‘No collection of drift wood’, ‘Park closes at 5’, etc.

Graphics

• Map with unique ‘You are Here’

• Contemporary and historic photos (2-3)

• Vignettes from the new art created for the De Soto exhibits

Recommendations

Description Upright

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Existing structure needs to be removed along with two other regulatory/information signs.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 08De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail entrance

Lat: 27.524192° N Lon: 82.643897° W

Map of trails w/ You are here

Background photo from site

Trail details

Regulatory information

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Landing

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To help visitors understand the historic scope and scale of De Soto’s 1539 landing here in Tampa Bay. It was undertaken as conquest for Spain, and riches and power for De Soto himself, an experienced and ambitious conquistador. The expedition consisted of around 1000 people: soldiers, laborers, clergy, tradesmen, and enslaved people. All these, plus horses, pigs, dogs, and massive amounts of supplies, came ashore from five large ships here in Tampa Bay.

Graphics

• New illustration showing ships in background, arrival of people, horses, pigs, dogs, and conquistadors on shore, with Native Americans in foreground observing their arrival.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Three existing structures need to be removed (‘tombstone’ and two figures).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 09De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail (before boardwalk)

Lat: 27.534742° N Lon: 82.644888° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Juan Ortiz

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To tell the story of Juan Ortiz, a Spaniard left behind by a previous expedition. Ortiz was held captive for 11 years and was rescued by Hernando de Soto in 1539; he served as translator for the De Soto expedition and accompanied it until his death two years later.

Graphics

• New illustration depicting the moment of capture. Scene to depict Spanish soldiers chasing Native American’s, and the moment Juan Ortiz identifies himself as Spanish.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Two existing structures need to be removed (‘tombstone’ and horse with soldier).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 10De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail (before boardwalk)

Lat: 27.534742° N Lon: 82.644888° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Expedition through Florida

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose This exhibit conveys the challenges the De Soto expedition faced traveling cross-country through the wilderness of Florida between Tampa Bay and their first winter camp at Anhaica. The conquistadors and their horses struggled to traverse dense vegetation and swampy ground, often attacked by Native Americans with superb guerrilla experience.

Graphics

• New illustration that shows soldiers traversing through the swamps and speaks to the harsh difficulties of the environment.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 11De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail (before boardwalk)

Lat: 27.52403° N Lon: 82.64328° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Mangrove Wildlife

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To orient visitors to typical native wildlife of the mangrove forest, and to emphasize the dependence of wildlife on the health of the mangrove habitat.

Graphics

• Photographs

• Possible wildlife species to include:

- Black crowned night heron

- Mangrove crab

- Great egret

- Florida Banded Water Snake

Recommendations

• Possibly remove one bench so there is more space around the exhibit.

Description Rail mount

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Rail

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 12De Soto National Memorial Park

Boardwalk (1st bump-out)

Lat: 27.524072° N Lon: 82.642838° W

Highlighted species

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Mangroves

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To introduce the three mangrove species, and explain how they form an aquatic nursery and protect the shoreline. To explain that this forest was planted to protect the estuary, but the three mangrove species were planted in the wrong order for salt tolerance, so they have not been able to thrive here.

Graphics

• Photographs

• Possible plant species to include:

- Sea Grape

- Red, Black, and White Mangrove

- Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)

- Coontie Cycad

- Gumbo Limbo

- Spanish Moss

- Prickly Pear Cactus

Recommendations

Description Rail mount

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Rail mount

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 13De Soto National Memorial Park

Boardwalk (2nd bump-out)

Lat: 27.524133° N Lon: 82.642533° W

Red/Black/White mangrove highlights — ordered by salt tolerance

Or other native plant species highlights

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Living Shoreline Project

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To explain the ongoing shoreline project to protect this area from storm surges and rising sea levels. This is one of the biggest issues the park will face in the next 20-30 years—without mitigation, the entire park will be underwater. Efforts include monitoring sea level changes, moving trails, planting vegetation, and adding barriers.

Graphics

• Provided by partner group

Recommendations

• Use content/report information from partner group on rising sea levels.

• Possibly move this exhibit off the boardwalk where you can see the water.

Description Rail mount

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Rail mount

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 14De Soto National Memorial Park

Boardwalk (3rd bump-out)

Lat: 27.524353° N Lon: 82.642355° W

Before and afters

Or restoration highlights

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Winter Encampment

Size: 42” x 24” Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the De Soto expedition’s encampment at Anhaica, in the winter of 1540. Due to the Little Ice Age drop in global temperatures, it was an extremely cold winter and very hard on the group—especially the many captive Native Americans. This is one of the few De Soto camps that we know the exact location of, due to archaeological discoveries (pig jaw).

Graphics

• New illustration depicting De Soto living in the new world, surviving throughout the first winter. Snow on the ground, guards watching over freezing, chained Native Americans.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

• Artifact images and tactile.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structure (one Native American).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 15ADe Soto National Memorial Park

Boardwalk (end)

Lat: 27.524697° N Lon: 82.642067° W

Bronze artifact

TBD

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Tabby House

Size: 42” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the tabby house site—this structure was built in the 1830s during the “cracker” cowman era in Tampa Bay. It was a confederate battery in the Civil War.

Archaeological digging has revealed artifacts that show it also served as a trading post, blacksmith shop, tavern, and post office. The walls are made of locally-made mortar and shells, a construction technique called tabby.

Graphics

• Historic image of tabby house

• Images of artifacts found on site

Recommendations

• Use the photograph from the existing exhibit.

• Use a piece of tabby as the tactile.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structure.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 16ADe Soto National Memorial Park

Trail (by tabby house ruins)

Lat: 27.524650° N Lon: 82.641800° W

Tabby tactile

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Tactile of Tabby mater

Size: ~8” x 8” Material: tabby

Purpose To provide tactile experience and show an example of tabby.

Graphics

• NA

Recommendations

• Use a piece of tabby from the site instead of creating a bronze tactile of the site.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structure.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 16BDe Soto National Memorial Park

Trail (by tabby house ruins)

Lat: 27.524650° N Lon: 82.641800° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Lady of Cofitachequi

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the encounter between Hernando de Soto’s expedition and the powerful Native American headwoman Cofitachequi in April of 1540. She was friendly toward the group, offering De Soto a gift of pearls. He forced her to travel with them—a tactic he often used to protect his force from attack. She eventually escaped.

Graphics

• Illustration depicting the encounter Hernando De Soto had with Cofitachequi (from

Junior Ranger book).

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 17De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52485° N Lon: 82.64171° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Battle of Mabila

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To describe a major turning point in the expedition: the battle at Mabila (present-day Alabama). This conflict started when De Soto took the chief Tascalusa captive. The chief led the group into the village of Mabila, promising shelter and treasure. The site was a carefully-planned trap. In the ensuing battle, thousands of Atahatchi people were killed.

De Soto lost a large part of his treasure and supplies.

Graphics

• Illustration from the Unigrid showing Native people hiding in the grass.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 18De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52501° N Lon: 82.64139° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Angola Village

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To tell the story of the community established here in Tampa Bay in the early 1800s by escaped, formerly enslaved people. The main community of Angola was about seven miles upriver of here (in the direction the visitor will be facing). In 1821 the Navy came to capture the residents, but lookouts concealed behind the Indian mounds on this point were able to go upriver and warn the village. Most of the residents got away—first to Sarasota Bay where they had left boats, then to the Bahamas where many of their descendants live today. This site is part of the Network to Freedom.

Graphics

• Small map (route escaped slaves took from British plantations to Florida and location of Angola Village up the river)

• Photos of descendants at the ‘Back to Angola’ festival.

• Network of Freedom Logo

Recommendations

• Change order and locate farther up the trail near on the water.

• Add information about the Network to Freedom.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 19De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52504° N Lon: 82.64089° W

Map

Network to Freedom logo

T H U M B N A I LSubject: 2nd Winter Encampment

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To describe the March 4, 1541 Chickasaw retaliatory attack on the Spaniards’ winter encampment. The night attack was well-planned and fast—and along with a follow-up campaign of harassment as the Spaniards fled, was extremely effective at driving the expedition out of Chickasaw territory. De Soto and his forces continued, even shorter on people, horses, pigs, and supplies.

Graphics

• New illustration showing the night battle scene—Native people attacking De Soto and his men, driving them out into the woods.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing base.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 20De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52481° N Lon: 82.64106° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Crossing the Mississippi

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To describe the expedition’s crossing of the Mississippi in spring of 1541. Despite warnings and a show of force by Native people, De Soto’s group spent a month building rafts and crossed the river in mid-June. This was the first time Europeans recorded seeing the Mississippi above the Gulf of Mexico.

Graphics

• New illustration depicting De Soto building rafts to voyage the Mississippi with

Natives awaiting their arrival on other side.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 21De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52457° N Lon: 82.64137° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Death of De Soto

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret De Soto’s death in May 1542—another turning point in the expedition. It was quick: he is thought to have died of illness or perhaps an infected wound. This presented a problem for the expedition—De Soto had presented himself as a god, so if word spread that he had died, the Spanish would have even less influence. The men buried him secretly in the Mississippi River.

Graphics

• New illustration depicting the burial ceremony for De Soto during the night in May of

1542.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structures (‘tombstone’ and soldier with dog).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 22De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52418° N Lon: 82.64174° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Long March into Texas/Escape to Mexico

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the decisions made after De Soto’s death. With their leader gone, and their supplies dwindling, the expedition tried first to go to Mexico overland through what’s now eastern Texas. But they couldn’t live off the land the way they had been—no trees, few crops to raid—so after a year, they turned back.

Graphics

• New illustration depicting the soldiers, after De Soto’s death, March ing south. The soldiers are wearing rags and furs, no shoes, are sunburnt, and exhausted.

• Map showing location along expedition route.

Recommendations

• Include a color or icon (Spanish flag?) noting when an exhibit is about De Soto.

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structures (Native man and two soldiers)

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 23De Soto National Memorial Park

Nature Trail

Lat: 27.52394° N Lon: 82.64221° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Trail Orientation with Safety Messages

Size: 36” x 48” Material: Double sided aluminum

Regulatory information including ‘No drone’, ‘No collection of drift wood’, ‘Park closes at 5’, etc.

Graphics

• Map with unique ‘You are Here’

• Contemporary and historic photos (2-3)

• Vignettes from the new art created for the De Soto exhibits

Recommendations

• Move exhibit farther from the water, on the other side of the trash receptacle

Description Upright

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Existing structure needs to be removed.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 24De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail (boat entrance)

Lat: 27.523530° N Lon: 82.642778° W

Map of trails w/ You are here

Background photo from site

Trail details

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Escape down the Mississippi

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To tell the final story of the expedition: after their failed attempt to go to Mexico overland, the remaining members returned to the Mississippi, built several brigantine ships, abandoned their captives, and fought their way downriver to the Gulf. By the time they arrived in Mexico, in the fall of 1543, there were only 311 survivors—and none of the precious horses remained.

Graphics

• Illustration from Unigrid of soldiers on boats being attached from behind.

Recommendations

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structure (one soldier).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 25De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail intersection

Lat: 27.52351° N Lon: 82.64275° W

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Impact of Expedition

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To help explain the impact of the expedition, including devastation to Native American tribes and future European expeditions, and how these impacts are still present and ongoing today. Three main legacies include The Chronicles, invasive exotics, and disease.

Graphics

• Photography (2-3 photos)

Recommendations

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structures (four fi ures, pig, and ‘tombstone’).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 26De Soto National Memorial Park

Trail shortcut

Lat: 27.52356° N Lon: 82.64309° W

3 main impacts

The Chronicles

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Wildlife of the Bay

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To identify wildlife of the bay and interpret the importance of maintaining a healthy habitat.

Graphics

• Photographs

• Possible wildlife species to include:

- Raccoons

- Gopher Tortoise (Protected species)

- Marsh Rabbits

- Florida Banded Water Snake

- Rat snake

- Coyote

- Armadillo

- Manatee

- Bottle Nose Dolphin

- Reef Shark

Recommendations

• Move exhibit so that it’s right next to Birds of the Bay

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 27De Soto National Memorial Park

Location Long Trail

Lat: 27.52298° N Lon: 82.64277° W

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Featured species TBD

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Birds of the Bay

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To describe the importance of mangrove habitat, which provides shelter, nesting sites, and food for many of the birds that visitors can see along the trail. To identify common bird species.

Graphics

• Photographs

• Possible wildlife species to include:

- Bald Eagle

- Osprey

- White Ibis

- Snowy Egret

- Wood Stork (Endangered)

Recommendations

• Move exhibit so that it’s right next to Wildlife of the Bay

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 28De Soto National Memorial Park

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Long Trail

Lat: 27.52298° N Lon: 82.64277° W

Featured species TBD

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Rancheros

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the Cuban fishing villages that existed in this area between Spanish colonization and American takeover of Florida. Cuban fishermen would sail 350 miles here to establish seasonal fishing camps, and then bring their catch back to Cuba. They fished for mostly grouper, red drum, sail fish, mahi mahi, tarpon, and mullet. After American takeover, fishermen from New England used the camps.

Graphics

• New illustration depicting Rancheros village/Cuban fisherman camps that were once in the area—thatched wooden huts.

Recommendations

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 29De Soto National Memorial Park

Location Long Trail

Lat: 27.52255° N Lon: 82.64282° W

Description Low profile

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Remove existing structure (one soldier).

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Shell Ridge

Size: 36” x 24” Material: Double sided aluminum

Purpose To interpret the shell ridge visible at this site—it is an ancient midden, made of the shells of mollusks and shellfish collected and eaten by Native Americans who lived here thousands of years ago, along with animal bones, pottery shards, broken tools, and other discarded items. As the midden piles grew taller, they created useful raised platforms for building houses, temples, or burial sites.

Include language warning visitors not to touch or remove anything from the site— Antiquities Act.

Graphics

• New illustration portraying a midden mound and to interpret how Native Americans would have built up areas where they lived.

Recommendations

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 30De Soto National Memorial Park

Location Long Trail (spur trail)

Lat: 27.52196° N Lon: 82.64293° W

Description Rail mount

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray Rail mount

Remove existing structure (small exhibit).

Warning message

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Trail Orientation with Safety Messages

Size: 36” x 48” Material: Double sided aluminum

Regulatory information including ‘No drone’, ‘No collection of drift wood’, ‘Park closes at 5’, etc.

Graphics

• Map with unique ‘You are Here’

• Contemporary and historic photos (2-3)

• Vignettes from the new art created for the De Soto exhibits

Recommendations

• Keep NPS boundary sign (possibly use existing post)

Description Upright

Material Color Mount Painted aluminum NPS medium gray In ground w/ fins

Site Preparation Existing structure needs to be removed (two regulatory signs and one soldier).

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 31De Soto National Memorial Park

Lower Trail (intersection of NPS and County property)

Lat: 27.52155° N Lon: 82.64275° W

Map of trails w/ You are here

Background photo from site

Trail details

P E D E S T R I A N D I R E C T I O N A L

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Pedestrian Directional (double sided)

Size: 8”x20 Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose Direct visitors at trail junctions.

Graphics

• NA

Recommendations

• Add directional where Nature trail intersects.

• Proposal only–recommended addition to Park at a later date.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 01De Soto National Memorial Park

Location Trail intersection

Lat: 27.52398° N Lon: 82.64318° W

Backcountry Office

Caldera Overlook

Crater Rim Trail

0.1

Waldron Ledge 0.4

0.4

Byron Ledge Trail

Holy Eucharist Monument

Memorial Cross

Restrooms Visitor Center

Visitor Parking

Visitor Center

Nature Trail

County Park

Nature Trail

Side 1

Top

Side 2

P E D E S T R I A N D I R E C T I O N A L

T H U M B N A I LSubject: Pedestrian Directional (double sided)

Size: 8”x20 Material: Single sided aluminum

Purpose Direct visitors at trail junctions.

Graphics

• NA

Recommendations

• Update directional and make messaging consistent with Unigrid and exhibits.

• Make regulatory dog sign and bag dispenser separate.

• Proposal only–recommended addition to Park at a later date.

March 2024 | WAYSIDE EXHIBIT 02De Soto National Memorial Park

Location Trail intersection

Lat: 27.52350° N Lon: 82.64274° W

Backcountry Office

Caldera Overlook

Crater Rim Trail

0.1

Waldron Ledge 0.4

0.4

Byron Ledge Trail

Holy Eucharist Monument

Memorial Cross

Restrooms Visitor Center

Visitor Parking

Visitor Center

Nature Trail

County Park

Nature Trail

Side 1

Top

Side 2

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Jul 3, 2025.