If you drive into DeSoto County, the first thing you’ll probably notice is how wide open everything feels. Big skies, pastureland, orange groves, and winding roads give the place that classic “old Florida” vibe. And honestly, that pretty much sums up the story of DeSoto County: a place where history, nature, and rural life have always been tightly connected.
Long Before It Was “DeSoto”
Before any Europeans arrived, this part of Florida was home to Native peoples, including the Calusa. They lived near the rivers and coast, fishing, canoeing, and shaping the culture of the region long before Florida appeared on a map.
Later, when Spanish explorers came through—most famously Hernando de Soto in the 1500s—the area became part of early European exploration. That’s eventually where the county’s name came from.
Ranches, River Life & Early Settlers
Fast forward to the 1800s, and the area was still very wild. Soldiers set up a post at Fort Ogden during the Seminole Wars, and after that, more settlers started coming in.
Many of them were ranchers and farmers, and that rural lifestyle stuck. Wide pastures, cattle trails, and orange groves slowly shaped the land. DeSoto County was officially created in 1887, and back then it was huge—so big that several other counties were later carved out of it.
Arcadia: A Small Town With a Big Personality
Arcadia, the county seat, has always been the center of activity. Even today, downtown Arcadia feels like stepping back in time: historic buildings, an old-fashioned courthouse, and rows of antique shops that attract treasure-hunters from all over Florida.
Once a month, the whole downtown turns into a giant antique fair, and it’s one of the things the county is best known for. There’s a real sense of pride in preserving old things—whether that’s buildings, furniture, or local stories.
Rodeo Country
If there’s one tradition that really shows the heart of DeSoto County, it’s the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. It’s been around for generations and celebrates the county’s strong ranching and cowboy roots. People come from all over to watch barrel racing, bull riding, and roping events. For many families, the rodeo is a yearly tradition.
Farming, Citrus & Open Land
Agriculture has always been a big part of life here. Citrus has long been one of the major crops—bright orange groves stretching across the landscape. Cattle ranching is still huge, too, and you’ll often see herds grazing along the highway.
The Peace River winds through the county as well. It’s great for canoeing and fossil hunting, and it gives the area a peaceful, natural feel. For locals, time on the river is just part of the lifestyle.
The Feeling of the Place
Today, DeSoto County still feels proudly rural. People know their neighbors, the pace is slower, and the land still matters. Families pass down farms, ranches, and stories through generations. It’s one of the places in Florida where “old Florida” is more than a memory—you can still see it, feel it, and live it.
