The Alabama Stone.

The article presents discussion and description of the "Alabama stone," a piece of sandstone with a Latin inscription from southern Alabama. Details are given describing the American Antiquarian Society's acquisition of the item in 1824. An overview of several research papers discussing the piece is also provided. Theories are given suggesting that the stone may have been a relic from the 1540 expedition of the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto during his tour of Florida and the Mississippi Gulf region. Further comments are given noting common errors in the historiography of de Soto's travels.