What Did Hernando De Soto Discover And Explore?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 path did Hernando de Soto discover?

After marching through Florida, De Soto’s group 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 did Hernando de Soto discover or explore?

1496/97, Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, Spain—died May 21, 1542, along the Mississippi River [in present-day Louisiana, U.S.]), Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and, in the course of exploring what was to become the southeastern United States, discovered ...

What states did Hernando de Soto discover?

They went to a total of ten states that exist today, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana . De Soto and his men were the first Europeans to reach and cross the Mississippi River.

Why was Hernando de Soto discovery important?

Hernando de Soto and his expedition became the first Europeans to see and cross the mighty Mississippi River . ... De Soto’s and his men were the first to thoroughly explore most of the southern half of the modern United States. He is credited as being the first European to discover and cross the great Mississippi River.

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.

What impact did Hernando de Soto have?

De Soto’s journey had a significant impact on the Native Americans of North America . He and his men were the first contact the majority of these tribes living in the interior had with Europeans, and they brought more than violence with them.

Where did Spain explore and colonize?

Beginning with the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Spanish Empire expanded for four centuries (1492–1892) across most of present-day Central America, the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and much of the rest of North America .

What were the main goals of Hernando de Soto’s expedition?

Seeking greater glory and riches , de Soto embarked on a major expedition in 1538 to conquer Florida for the Spanish crown. He and his men traveled nearly 4,000 miles throughout the region that would become the southeastern United States in search of riches, fighting off Native American attacks along the way.

How long was Hernando de Soto’s voyage?

Hernando de Soto’s expedition of La Florida lasted four years , from 1539-1543. He and his men explored over 4,000 miles of territory within ten modern U.S. states searching for riches and an ideal location to create a Spanish settlement.

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.

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.

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.” ...

Where did De Soto land in Florida?

In 1539, two years after their departure from Spain, De Soto and his crew landed on the west coast of Florida in the area historians believe is the location of present day Tampa .

Where is De Soto buried?

Hernando de Soto died after contracting a fever in May of 1542 in a Native American village located in modern-day Arkansas. His men buried him in the Mississippi River in the middle of the night after he passed.

What technology did Hernando de Soto use?

One may also ask, what technology did Hernando de Soto use? The tools I thinke that Hernando de Soto used as tools swords, rifles, guns, daggers, and armor . Hernando de Soto was a soldier so he had gear. He did not sail a boat or used a astrolabe but I am pretty sure he used a compass to get around.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.