Spanish Exploration

Christopher Colombus Voyage

Aug 3, 1492

Christopher Columbus was looking for a shorter route to China to get silk and spice, instead he found the Bahamas. This is important because Christopher Columbus' journeys marked the beginning of centuries of transatlantic conquests and colonization.

Pineda's Voyage

Jun 2, 1519

Pineda created a map of the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Cabo Rojo, Mexico. This was important because he and his men were the first Europeans to explore and make a map of that area.

Cortes Voyage

Aug 13, 1521

Cortes conquered Mexico and the Aztecs in Tenochititlan. This was important because Cortes claimed land for Spain and helped the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

DeVaca Voyage

Jun 17, 1527

DeVaca's leader was Panfilo de Narvaez.The purpose of the expedition was to claim the territory from Florida to Mexico for Spain.

DeVaca Discovers Texas

Nov 5, 1528

DeVaca's ship wrecked off the coast of Texas (aka GALVESTON) where he stayed for 6 years. During this time he met the Karankawas, Capoques, Coahuiltecan and Han tribes.

Fray Marcos and Esteban Journey

Mar 7, 1539

The purpose of the journey was to see if “The Seven Cities of Gold” was real. Esteban was killed by the Zunis while demanding women and food. Fray Marcos reported that he saw The Seven Cities of Gold.

Moscoso's Expedition

May 21, 1542

The leader of the expedition was Hernando De Soto and he died of a fever. They failed to find gold; however, they did make the first major exploration into the North America continent.

Coronado's Expedition

Sep 22, 1554

Coronado's guide was Fray Marcos who Coronado strangled to death. He discovered a Wichita village, and reported: DO NOT go to Texas, the land is harsh and the Indians are mean. He also said there was no gold in Texas.