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Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus sets sail
On this day 523 years ago, Christopher Columbus set sail to try to find a quicker way to India, by sailing West. He was looking for gold, riches, and spices. -
Jan 1, 1519
Cortes voyage
In 1519, Cortes sailed to Mexico for Spain. He encountered the Aztec Empire and later conquered them. He destroyed the huge city, Tenochtitlan, and built a new city over it. He found 99 tons of gold, and that lead to further expedition throughout Texas. -
Jan 1, 1519
Pineda's Voyage
In 1519, Pineda mapped the Gulf Coast. Explorers later saw the map and followed along the coast in order to find Gold. This lead further expedition to Texas. -
Jan 1, 1528
De Vaca's Voyage
De Vaca and his leader Narveaz were sent on an expedition to Florida to Mexico for Spain. One day the boats thought they were all dead, so they sailed back to what is now present day Cuba. -
Nov 7, 1528
De Vaca Discovers Texas
While he and his men were stranded in Florida, they built 5 boats in hope to sail back to Cuba. Instead of sailing south, they accidentally sailed west along the Gulf Coast. They later shipwrecked on Galveston. He was in Texas for 8 years bad he was presumed dead by the Spanish. In this span of 8 years, he encountered 3 Texas tribes, the Karankawas, Jumanos, and Coahuilitecans. -
Jan 1, 1539
Fray Marcos and Esteban
In 1539 Fray Marcos and 300 Mexican Indians headed North from Mexico City to explore as Esteban as their leader. They wanted to explore the land North, hoping to find gold. During the expedition, Esteban and the other encountered a Zuni tribe. He was killed fore demanding women and food as a medicine man. Later that day Fray Marcos sat upon a hill and saw “gold” reflected from the Sun. He reported to the Spanish that the 7 Cities of Gold was real. -
Jan 1, 1540
Coronado's Voyage
When Fray Marcos reported the 7 Cities of Gold was real, Spain sent Coronado to find that city. He found out the city wasn't real, it was just an Adobe village. Then a Native American who the Spainards named Turk lead them to another Adobe village which he said was filled with gold. They later killed Turk for lying. He did discover the Palo Duro Canyon and the Grand Canyon. He gave reports back to Spain that there wasn't any gold. -
Oct 27, 1542
Moscoso' Expedition
His original leader was De Soto, but he died from the flu. The Indians thought he was a god, so they couldn't bury him and they through him in the Mississippi River. They were also known to discover the Mississippi River.
