Spanish Exploration

Christopher Columbus

Aug 8, 1492

Christopher Columbus's goal was to find a new route to Asia/east by going through the Atlantic Ocean. Instead of finding a new route he found the New World, not America, but a island in the Bahamas. He is important in history because he was the first to start permanent settlement in the New World and since he found riches in the New World he triggered exploration in Spain.

Hernan Cortez

Jan 1, 1519

Hernan Cortez conquered Mexico and the Native Americans living there such as the Aztecs. The Aztecs had beautiful cities that contained lots of gold in them, which Cortez gladly took. He is important in history because he sparked an interest in exploration to the New World since he found 99 tons of gold.

Alfonso Alvarez de Pineda

Jan 1, 1519

Pineda and his crew were the first known Europeans to walk on Texas coast. He also was the first to map the Gulf of Mexico (Texas to Florida). He is important in history because his map of the coast led to others explore the coast.

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

Jan 1, 1528

Cabeza de Vaca was a part of a Spanish expedition that was being led by Narvez.. The goal of this expedition was to find gold.

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca (Part 2)

Jan 1, 1528

De Vaca and his crew build 5 crude boats and were trying to get to Cuba but instead landed in Galveston,where the Karankawas nurse them back to health. They were 8 years in Texas where he met the Karankawas.

Fray Marcos and Esteban

Jan 1, 1539

Fray Marcos was a priest sent to evaluate land and to study it. Esteban was killed by villagers of one of the seven cities of Cibola because he demanded their food and women. Fray Marcos reported that a city of gold existed.

Luis de Moscoso

Jan 1, 1539

The leader of the expedition was De Soto but Moscoso took over after his death. He died along the Mississippi river of a fever they threw his body into the river because the Indians thought he was a god. He also gave a bad report about Texas, similar to the one Coronado made.

Francisco Vazquez de Coronado

Jan 1, 1540

Coronado searched for Cibola and Quivera. On the search for Quivera an Indian named Turk was used as a guide. Once they get there they found out it was a lie and made Turk dig his own grave and Coronado strangles him. He explores 5states and 2 famous land forms such as Palo Duro and Grand Canyon. He is important in history because with his bad report supported by Moscoso's the Spanish do not explore Texas until 150 years later.