Explorer's Coming to North America

Vasco Nunez De Balboa

Jan 1, 1513

He was the first European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean

Ponce De Leon

Apr 2, 1513

Spanish explorer who was the first European to set foot on Florida

Bernal Diaz Del Castillo

Mar 1, 1517

He sailed the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico with the expedition of Fransico de Cordoba.

Hernan Cortez

Jan 1, 1519

Spanish adventurer, who overthrew the Aztec Empire and claimed Mexico for Spain

Alonso Alvarez De Pineda

Jan 1, 1519

Got sent explore and chart the Culf Coast of Florida to Mexico. Also he and his crew were the first Europeans in Texas.

Lucas Vazquez De Ayllon

Jan 1, 1526

Spanish conquistador and explorer who tried to start a colony in North America. He was the first European colonizer of what is now South Carolina.

Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon

Jan 1, 1526

Spanish conquistador and explorer who tried to start a colony in North America in 1526. He was the first European colonizer of what is now South Carolina. His attempt to settle the coast of Carolina's was unsuccessful.

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

Sep 8, 1527

Spanish explorer who sailed to North America from Spain. Also He traveled from Florida to Texas on a raft, then walked from Texas to Mexico City.

Hernando de Soto

May 30, 1539

He arrived on the west coast of Florida with 10 ships carrying over 600 soldiers, priests, and explorers. They spent four years searching for gold and silver and exploring the area.

Jacques Cartier

Sep 9, 1541

French explorer who led three expeditions to Canada, in 1534, 1535, and 1541. Also tried to start a settlement in Quebec (in 1541), but it was abandoned after a terribly cold winter.

Juan Rodrigez Cabrillo

Sep 8, 1542

First European explorer to explore the California Coast. Cabrillo named San Diego Bay and Santa Barbara.

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

Sep 22, 1554

Spanish explorer, who was the first European to explore North America's Southwest