Why Did De Soto Go To Georgia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 did Hernando de Soto do in Georgia?

Hernando de Soto was a Spanish-born explorer and conqueror who landed in present-day Tampa Bay, Florida, in 1539 and came to the Georgia area in 1540. Chroniclers of the expedition described the

Coosa River valley

in glowing terms.

Why did De Soto come to Georgia?

Marker Text: Hernando de Soto, born ca. 1500, nobleman, conquistador, Governor of Cuba, with rights to conquer Florida, traveled in 1540 through what later became Georgia on

an expedition to find gold

.

When did De Soto come to America?

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.

Did Desoto find gold in Georgia?

Traveling through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, across the Appalachians, and back to Alabama,

de Soto failed to find the gold and silver he

desired, but he did seize a valuable collection of pearls at Cofitachequi, in present-day Georgia. … All the Native Americans were killed along with 20 of de Soto’s men.

Who attacked Georgia in 1742?

The 1742 Invasion of Georgia was a military campaign by

Spanish forces

, based in Florida, which attempted to seize and occupy disputed territory held by the British colony of Georgia. The campaign was part of a larger conflict which became known as the War of Jenkins’ Ear.

Why did the Spanish build missions in Georgia?

The Spanish missions in Georgia comprise a series of religious outposts established by

Spanish Catholics in order to spread the Christian doctrine among the local Native Americans

. … The early missions in present-day Georgia were established to serve the Guale and various Timucua peoples, including the Mocama.

Who was the first person 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.

Who discovered the state of Georgia?

Although initially conceived of by

James Oglethorpe

as a refuge for London’s indebted prisoners, Georgia was ultimately established in 1732 to protect South Carolina and other southern colonies from Spanish invasion through Florida.

Where did the Spanish explore and colonize in Georgia?

In 1566, the Spanish established a

fort on St. Catherines Island, south of present-day Savannah

, the first of a series of fortified positions along the coast. This region was known to the Spanish as Guale.

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 is De Soto famous for?

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.

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.

Has anyone ever found gold in Georgia?

Known Gold Occurrences in Georgia

The early miners found

gold near Dahlonega and all most of the mountains of Georgia

. They mined for quite a few years, but the California Gold Rush drew most of the prospectors west. Reliable waters to try your hand in are the Chestatee River, the Tesnatee River and the Etowah River.

Is it legal to pan for gold in Georgia?

Generally speaking,

you’re permitted to pan for gold within national forests in Georgia

. … And special permission is not generally required as long as no significant stream disturbance takes place and as long as you only use a small hand shove or trowel and gold pan.

Where is the most gold found in Georgia?

The largest quantities of gold found in the eastern United States were found in the Georgia Gold Belt, extending from eastern Alabama to Rabun County, Georgia. The biggest concentration of gold was found in

White, Lumpkin, and northern Cherokee counties

in Georgia.

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.