See, feel and hear the area's past come alive. More than 475 years ago, Conquistador Hernando de Soto sailed up the majestic Manatee River and landed in search of gold and glory. Today, you can uncover even richer treasures. Enjoy the county's colorful history coming to life in our museums, and immerse yourself in engaging heritage sites. Tour a rare antebellum sugar plantation, or even a historic fishing village populated by descendants of earlier settlers, still earning their livelihoods from gulf waters. This is a place where you can uncover the past with a passion. Heritage & History