Spanish Exploration

Columbus’ first voyage

1492

In 1492 Columbus sailed for Spain to try and find another way to Asia but North and South America we’re in the way. He landed in the Bahamas and explored the Caribbean Islands. He found the New World but died thinking he had sailed to India. He was the first to start permanent settlement and brought back gold and other goods. This was important because he found the New World and started the Spanish exploring in Native America because of the riches he found.

Cortes Voyage

1519

In 1519 Cortes sailed for Spain to find gold. Cortes explored Mexico. In Mexico Cortes conquered the Aztecs. He found 99 tons of gold which was important because it sparked the interest in people to explore North and South America.

Pineda’s Voyage

1519

In 1519 Pineda sailed for Spain to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. He explored the coast from Florida to Texas. Pineda was the first to map the gulf coast from Florida to Texas. This was important because it led others and helped shape Texas to what it is today. He also made a report of the regions.

DeVaca Voyage

1528

In 1528 De Vaca sailed for Spain. The original leader was Narvez. The purpose of the expedition was to to search for gold. He was the first to explore Texas, the first to write about the Indians, and he performed the first “surgery”.

De Vaca discovers Texas

1528

In 1528 De Vaca found Texas. He found Texas because they got left by their ships in Florida, they ended up in Galveston because they built 5 ships and shipwrecked. He was in Texas for 5 years. He met the Jumano, Coahulitechan, and the Karankawa tribes. De Vaca reported that he heard there was 7 cities and it was a good place to settle.

Fray Marcos and Esteban journey

1539

In 1539 Fray Marcos and Esteban went to Texas and New Mexico to study the land in the North evaluate. Esteban died from the Zuni. Fray Marcos reported seeing a giant city of gold bigger than Mexico City.

Moscoso’s Expedition

1539

De Soto was the leader and he died from a fever at the Mississippi River. De Soto made Moscoso the new leader. He reported a similiar thing to Coronado. That the land offers nothing, no gold harsh land, and mean Indians.

Coronado’s expedition

1540

He discovered the Palo Duro Canyon in Texas, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. He reported “Do not go to Texas. The land offers harsh land and some difficult Indians.” This was important because Spain did not return with any major expeditions for 150 years. Coronado went to find the 7 cities of gold with Fray Marcos. Quivers and Coronado turned out to be a Adobe Indian village.