DeSoto County is named for the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto. It was created from Manatee County in 1887. Until 1921 DeSoto was one of the largest counties in the state, but residents complained of the vast distances between home and courthouse and it was subdivided to create Hardee, Charlotte, Highlands, and Glades Counties.
The original DeSoto County seat, which had also served Manatee County since 1866, was located at Pine Level. Although apparently built of brick, the Pine Level courthouse, or at least its jail, was derided as “flimsy,” allowing the escape of prisoners to such an extent that vigilantism was rampant in the large and undeveloped county. Ghost town researcher James Warnke has located the site of this structure but reports that only a few bricks remain beneath the shade of an oak hammock. Eventually, a new county seat was created at “Tater Hill Bluff,” renamed Arcadia, in 1888. Arcadia Albritton was the pretty daughter of local settlers.
The first courthouse in Arcadia was constructed by Peyton Read at a cost of $6,000, half of which had been donated to the county by four local citizens. It is probable that this structure was destroyed in a 1905 fire since historian Louise Frisbie reports only three brick buildings survived that conflagration. The current DeSoto County Courthouse was built by the Read-Parker Construction Company in 1912-13. It was designed by the Tampa architectural firm of Bonfoey and Elliot.
In the late 1870’s, the railroads were completed through Desoto County and it changed the growth of the county and brought wealth for many. In 1881, phosphate was discovered on the banks of Peace River that flows through the county. Mining of this mineral brought much prosperity for many years. Ruins of the old phosphate docks can be found today near Liverpool on Hunter Creek, just a few hundred yards from the Peace River in South DeSoto County.
Two 10 Acre parcel orange groves off Hwy 70 on the East side of Arcadia.
Tired of city life and want to relax? Is it time to enjoy the country life with the smell of orange groves sweetening the air? Ready to build your DREAM home with room to...
1.06 ACRE LOT IN THE HABITAT BACKING TO THE SUNNY BREEZE GOLF COURSE. The Habitat is a deed restricted community just 15 minutes to historic downtown Punta Gorda with res...
Beautiful vacant lot with mature trees on the property. Just minutes away from the town of Arcadia! perfect for those who enjoy the wooded scenery of Florida. Don't miss ...
Looking for 5 high and dry acres? Land is super hard to come by so this is prime real estate! The property is located in Southern DeSoto County and already has a well and...
Tucked away in Southern DeSoto County, sits this breathtaking lot measuring over half an acre. You will adore the huge oak trees and privacy that this property has to off...
52 Acres of quiet pastoral living. Great for a single family home or agricultural gain. Property has been surveyed to support sale of 10 acre parcels or can be broken int...
BEAUTIFUL half acre lot in Deed restricted Voss Oaks. (Deed restritions attached---survey attached ) This lot is on a cul d sac surrounded by huge mature oak trees and ...
Looking for land to build on or just enjoy the native Florida environment? This may be the property for you! This property measures 1.25 acres and has gorgeous trees. Som...
75+/- acres of land with over 2800' on the Peace River. Absolutely beautiful property with a lot of high ground. The owner has cut several trails throughout the property ...