Spanish Exploration

Christopher Columbus's First Voyage

Aug 3, 1492

Columbus was searching for a faster water route to the East(Asia), but instead he found the New World(North & South America). His exploration sparked the Age of Exploration.

Hernán Cortés's Voyage

Jan 1, 1519

Conquered and demolished the Aztec Empire (Mexico). His discoveries of tons of gold from the Aztecs inspired people to explore more around that area.

Alonso Álvarez de Pineda's Voyage

Jun 2, 1519

Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the coastline of Florida to all the way up to Mexico. What he did was very important because he mapped out the coast for others to explore.

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's Voyage (Part1)

Jan 1, 1527

One of the only four suvivors of the expedition that was originaly lead by Narváez. Was supposted to explore the areas mapped by Pineda.

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's Voyage (Part2)

Nov 6, 1528

de Vaca was shipwrecked on Galveston Island, and had to travel through parts Texas, Arazonia, and New Mexico for 8 years. While he was doing that he met tribes such as the Jumanos, Coahuiltecans, and the Karankawa.

Moscoso's Expedition

May 18, 1539

Hernando DeSoto was the original leader, but sadly he died. Their expedition led to the discovery of the Mississippi River.

Fray Marcos de Niza & Estaban's Journey

Nov 4, 1539

Fray Marcos de Niza and Estaban sets out on a journey to scout ahead to find Cibola. Also on the journey Estaban later dies after demanding Zuni Indians to give him their food and women. Fray Marcos report back that he saw a city bigger that Mexico City that was completely made of gold.

Francisco Vasquez De Coronado's Expedition

Jan 1, 1540

Francisco Vasquez De Coronado was originally looking for the cities of Cibola, but later went on looking for Quviera after hearing a myth told by Turk who was the guide for Quviera. Turk was later killed for lying to the Spanish when Quviera turned out to just be an adobe village. Even though his expedition were considered failures, they were still very important for he discovered Palo Duro canyon and the Grand Canyon and explored the Panhandle of Texas.