Early on, the Conquistadors established the tradition of reenacting Ponce de Leon’s landing on the shores of Charlotte Harbor. The Club has also joined with other area organizations in sponsoring sailboat races, golf and shuffleboard tournaments, and treasure hunts, all for the enjoyment of the Charlotte County populace. Dressed in full battle regalia, members have visited with literally hundreds of schoolchildren, all of whom have enjoyed the recounting of the early history of Florida. During the last several years, members have spread the history of Ponce de Leon and his accomplishments to area schools. The Conquistadors participated in local and area parades, wearing authentic period costumes aboard their parade “ship” (float), Palencia, which soon became a familiar sight as it “sailed” locally and as far away as Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Festival (Tampa’s answer to the Mardi Gras). As time passed, the scope of activities expanded, and the Club began to promote Charlotte County, both at home and in nearby communities. ![]() Originally, the primary mission was purely social. Thus the “Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors” was founded. ![]() Yet, there was little here to commemorate his discovery and actions. Juan Ponce de Leon landed in the Charlotte Harbor area in 1521 and contributed to the first settlements in the area. ![]() In 1979, a group of business and professional men met with a common goal: to do something to perpetuate the Spanish heritage of the Charlotte County area. Who Are the Conquistadors? - What Do Th d ey Do?
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