Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and discovered the Mississippi River.
What island did Hernando de Soto discover?
De Soto’s fleet sighted the western coast of Florida near Tampa Bay on May 25, 1539. He landed with about 600 men and about 220 horses, and from there he proceeded northward to present-day Tallahassee, where he and his men spent the winter of 1539-40 in the territory of the chiefdom of Apalachee.
What states did Hernando de Soto explore?
They arrived near modern-day Tampa Bay and spent the rest of the year exploring modern- day Florida before setting up winter camp. De Soto and his men left their winter camp in March. They traveled through the modern states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama .
What path was traveled by Hernando de Soto?
After marching through Florida, De Soto’s group is believed to have traveled northeast through Georgia and into South Carolina and North Carolina before turning west and southwest into parts of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. On May 8, 1541, the expedition sighted the Mississippi River , then headed into Arkansas.
What was the main result of Hernando de Soto’s expedition?
As a result, the de Soto expedition also provided Spain with new, important information about the territory of La Florida . The information the men gathered led to the creation of a more detailed map of the region, which is commonly referred to as “The de Soto Map” and can be seen below.
Why did Spain want to explore and colonize North America?
The conquistadors came to conquer new territories for power and riches . They overthrew the Inca and the Aztecs, plus a host of less-advanced civilizations. Spanish settlers came to make a fortune and return to Spain, not to stay in a new home.
Was Hernando de Soto good or bad?
He certainly was brave and he may have been gallant according to the 16th century definition of the word. But, he certainly was neither benevolent nor kind. Not if old Spanish writers can be believed. Said one of them: ‘DeSoto was fond of the sport of killing Indians.
Why did De Soto go to Georgia?
De Soto spent most of his time in Georgia in search of gold . He and his men believed it existed somewhere in the mountains that occupy the northwestern part of the state after hearing rumors from natives that they consulted.
What 3 countries explored North America?
Portugal, Spain, France and England were transformed from small territories into nation-states with centralized authority in the hands of monarchs who were able to direct and finance overseas exploration.
Who was the first to explore Georgia?
About 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto , on a quest for silver and gold, led the first European expedition into the area that is now Georgia.
When was Hernando de Soto born and died?
| Hernando de Soto | Born October 27, c. 1500 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, Extremadura, Crown of Castile | Died May 21, 1542 (aged 41) Bank of Mississippi River, present-day Ferriday, Louisiana | Nationality Castilian | Occupation Explorer and conquistador |
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Who discovered the Mississippi River?
The Basics
It shows Spanish conquistador and explorer Hernando De Soto (1500–1542), riding a white horse and dressed in Renaissance finery, arriving at the Mississippi River at a point below Natchez on May 8, 1541. De Soto was the first European documented to have seen the river.
Where did De Soto land?
In 1531, after receiving permission from the Spanish Crown to conquer Peru, De Soto and Pizarro successfully landed on the coast of modern day Ecuador .
What is De Soto’s legacy?
Hernando de Soto is more known for being a conquistador . He helped conquer many lands in parts of Central and South America, including those of the Inca Empire. But he was also an explorer. De Soto explored and mapped parts of nine states in the southeastern part of the United States.
What did Hernando de Soto find in Florida?
Hernando de Soto was given the title Governor of Cuba by the king of Spain, Carlos V, in 1536. He believed, however, that he would regain his fortune by finding gold in “La Florida.” ...
How many mobile Indians were killed by De Soto’s men?
All the Native Americans were killed along with 20 of de Soto’s men. Several hundred Spaniards were wounded. In addition, the conscripts they had come to depend on to bear their supplies fled with the baggage.
