When Did Hernando De Soto Start His Expedition?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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De Soto set out from Spain in April 1538 , set with 10 ships and 700 men. After a stop in Cuba, the expedition landed at Tampa Bay in May 1539.

Who sent Hernando de Soto exploration?

Hernando de Soto is most famous for his exploration of North America. He led 600 men on a journey through what is now the southeastern United States. They were the first Europeans to explore most of this region. De Soto was sent by the King of Spain to explore and settle La Florida.

What was Hernando de Soto the first European to discover?

History recognizes his great achievement of being first recorded European to discover and cross the Mississippi River . Hernando de Soto’s exact date of birth is unknown. He was born sometime between 1496 and 1501 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. This was a small town in the Estremadura region.

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 Cabeza de Vaca and Hernando de Soto become explorers?

Cabeza de Vaca wanted to lead his own expedition that would bring the natives of the Americas into the Spanish empire and convert them to Christianity . Cabeza de Vaca knew that only if he were a command with the natives be treated with fairness and humanity. He therefore declined to join de Soto is expedition.

Did La Salle meet Indians?

IN MARCH, 1682 , during his epic voyage of discovery down the Mississippi River, La Salle visited the Natchez Indians near the modern city bearing their name.

What did Hernando de Soto Do North America?

Who Was Hernando de Soto? In the early 1530s, while on Francisco Pizarro’s expedition, Hernando de Soto helped conquer Peru. In 1539 he set out for North America, where he discovered the Mississippi River . De Soto died of fever on May 21, 1542, in Ferriday, Louisiana.

What was De Soto’s main goal in his explorations?

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.

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 Spain explore and colonize?

The Spanish Empire between 1492 and 1892, expanded across most of Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and much of North America . In its conquest of the New World, the Spanish subdued and defeated the Inca civilization of Peru, the Aztecs of Central America, and the Maya civilization of the Yucatan.

What problem did Hernando de Soto face?

Hernando de Soto faced many challenges during his expedition. For example, when crossing the Withlacoochee River de Soto and his crew were battled against the strong tide of the river . He also crossed the Aucilla River with some troubles there too. Their crops were ruined and were no longer able to be used.

What’s a fun fact about Hernando de Soto?

At 32, Hernando de Soto was named second in command to the explorer Francisco Pizzaro on his expedition to conquer Peru. Hernando de Soto was instrumental in conquering Peru and its capital the Incan Empire of Cuzco . He returned to Spain with much of the Incan gold in 1536. His share was 18000 ounces of gold.

Where is De Soto buried?

Birth 21 Oct 1496 Provincia de Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain Death 21 May 1542 (aged 45) Ferriday, Concordia Parish, Louisiana, USA Burial Body lost or destroyed, Specifically: Placed in a hollowed out tree trunk and placed in the Mississippi River Memorial ID 7450123 · View Source

Why did Cabeza de Vaca journey across the Southwest?

An early-Renaissance Spanish citizen grounded in Christian philosophy, Cabeza de Vaca in the Relación describes his struggle to survive as foreigner, captive, slave, and faith healer among the native inhabitants of what is now the southwest U.S. Often near death from starvation and exposure, he wandered from the Texas ...

What was Cabeza de Vaca’s impact on Texas?

Starving, dehydrated, and desperate, he is the first European to set foot on the soil of the future Lone Star state. Cabeza de Vaca’s unintentional journey to Texas was a disaster from the start. A series of dire accidents and Indian attacks plagued his expedition’s 300 men as they explored north Florida.

Was Cabeza de Vaca a good person?

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was and is a dangerous man . Not because he was violent (for he is perhaps the gentlest person of the American saga), but because he stands as a challenge to our reflexive beliefs and our tidy categories. ... Cabeza de Vaca was born in 1490 and died in 1557.

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.