Staking Their Claim

Historical marker location:

2401 19th Avenue NW, Ruskin, Florida

( Marker is on E.G. Simmons Park Drive, 3.2 miles west of South Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41).)

Florida De Soto Trail. June 1, 1539.

The Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, were once a notorious pirate haven. Many famous pirates, including Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, are said to have frequented the area.