Exploration and Settlement

Columbus lands at Hispanolia in the caribbean

1492

During the year 1492 Christophers Columbus voyage to the caribbean it marked the beginning of contact of Europeans and Native Americans

Balboa "discover" the pacific ocean in panama

1513

Spanish explorer and conquistador Vasco Nunez de balboa became the first European to see the pacific ocean. Balboa helped establish the town of Darien in Panama and became the interim governor on the year 1513.

Cortes Conquers the Aztecs at Tenochtitlan (Mexico city)

Aug 13, 1521

The Spanish conquest on the Aztecs led by conquistador Hernan Cortes started on the year 1519 and ended on 2 year later on Agust 13 1521. Hernan Cortes sucessfully conquered the Aztecs with help from aztec rivals the tlaxtaclans and took over Tenochtlitan the capital of the Aztec empire now known as Mexico city.

De Soto explores the region between Florida and the Mississippi river

1539

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed near Tampa Bay Florida with more than 600 men. De soto led the major expedation exploring areas such as Florida, Georgia the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas in hope of finding silver and gold