Francisco Coronado was a Spanish governor in modern day Mexico who went on to explore the southwest United States. His expedition was one that was prompted by stories of myth and riches. He was looking for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold . This journey took him into new areas not yet previously explored by Europeans.
What was Coronado looking for when he came to Colorado?
Vázquez de Coronado had hoped to reach the Cities of Cíbola , often referred to now as the mythical Seven Cities of Gold. His expedition marked the first European sightings of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, among other landmarks.
What was the main goal of the voyages of Coronado?
Assigned the task of locating the fabled Seven Cities of Cíbola in the New World for Spain , Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, governor of the New Galicia province of New Spain (present Mexico), left Compostela in February 1540.
What was Coronado looking for in the southwestern United States?
Coronado explored parts of what becomes parts of the Southwest United States. Coronado hoped to find a city of gold , which of course he never found. ... Coronado and his men then explored large parts of the Southwest, including much of what is today New Mexico and Arizona. Coronado explored the Grand Canyon.
What was Coronado’s route?
Day favored the Sonora Valley as a probable point from which Arizona was reached. Furthermore, he opted for the San Pedro River route , specifying that Vázquez de Coronado had entered Arizona through a plain extending to the headwaters of the San Pedro River near present‐day Naco.
What does Cibola mean in English?
Cibola most commonly refers to: Cevola (sometimes Sevola) or Cibola, the Spanish transliteration of a native name for a pueblo (Hawikuh Ruins) conquered by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. One of the Seven Cities of Gold, the Spanish legend that Coronado tracked to Hawikuh.
What famous landmarks did Coronado find?
The expedition team of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado is credited with the discovery of the Grand Canyon and several other famous landmarks in the American Southwest while searching for the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola — which they never found.
What did Francisco Coronado accomplish?
Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, (born c. 1510, Salamanca, Spain—died September 22, 1554, Mexico), Spanish explorer of the North American Southwest whose expeditions resulted in the discovery of many physical landmarks , including the Grand Canyon, but who failed to find the treasure-laden cities he sought.
What Native American tribes did Coronado encounter?
Coronado’s expedition likely met their fourth and final Native American group, the Apache , while camped out near the western slope of the Chiricahua Mountains.
Why did Coronado explore the American Southwest?
Francisco Coronado was a Spanish governor in modern day Mexico who went on to explore the southwest United States. His expedition was one that was prompted by stories of myth and riches. He was looking for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold . This journey took him into new areas not yet previously explored by Europeans.
When did Coronado find the Grand Canyon?
They expected to pay off the investments and get rich from gold and jewels in Cibola, but when they reached there in July, 1540 , the found no wealth. Coronado sent out side parties that discovered the Grand Canyon and the mouth of the Colorado River.
Why did Coronado travel from Mexico to present day Kansas?
Coronado and his men. Coronado and his men traveled from Mexico to get to Kansas. In July of 1540, Coronado began his expedition looking for the cities of gold . He arrived first in the area that today is the state of Arizona.
Why did Coronado consider his expedition a failure?
In December, Coronado was injured in a fall from his horse . Having found no transportable wealth, ailing from his injury, and wanting to see his wife again, Coronado ordered a return of the army to Mexico in 1542. The expedition was considered a colossal failure, squandering fortunes of several participants.
Who was Coronado’s Guide?
Coronado showed a willingness to assist and encourage Mendoza to find the “Seven Cities,” and on March 7, 1539, what might be termed a reconnoitering party, left Culiacan under the leadership of Friar Marcos de Niza, with Estevanico as the guide.
Which river did Coronado Cross?
The Coronado Cross marks the spot where Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a Spanish explorer, is said to have crossed the Arkansas River (called the St. Peter & St. Paul River) in search of the fabled “cities of gold” in 1541.
What is the legend of Cibola?
The Seven Cities of Gold, also known as the Seven Cities of Cibola (/ˈsiːbələ/), is a myth that was popular in the 16th century . It is also featured in several works of popular culture. According to legend, the seven cities of gold could be found throughout the pueblos of the New Mexico Territory.
