Explore Desoto County

Archaeologists and volunteers work to find evidence of the historic town of Pine Level in DeSoto County.

DeSoto County was founded in 1887 after it was split from Manatee County and initially encompassed present-day Charlotte, Glades, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Within DeSoto County’s borders today lie the Arcadia Historical District which encompasses 293 historic buildings as well as other remnants of DeSoto County’s varied past.