Spanish Explorers

Chistopher Columbus

Nov 3, 1492

Columbus was actually from Italy and not a conquistador. Columbus wanted to show the Queen a route to the so called India but it didn't get through until after the war with the Moors. When he sailed, he found the Americas that had lots of new things like spices and silk. That interested the queen to send more people to there. He is credited for finding the Americas.

Alonso Álvarez de Pineda

Jun 2, 1519

Pineda found some Native Americans on the Gulf of Texas. He is credited for the first one to map the Texas gulf.

Hernan Cortes

Nov 3, 1519

Cortes was the 3rd expedition and went to Mexico. He conquered the Aztecs there. After that, he found tons of gold that sparked the interest of others.

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

Jun 20, 1527

Narvaez was actually the leader of the expedition. Their goal was to claim from Florida to Mexico for Spain, but then something interrupted them. They built 5 crude boats and then shipwreked at Galveston. He became a medicine man and did not leave until 8 years after that in which he was found in Mexico. De Vaca said he heard of 7 cities of gold.

Fray Marcos

Nov 3, 1531

Fray Marcos de Niza set out from New Spain (todays Central America) to explore lands to the north in the name of Catholicism and the King of Spain. He journeyed towards the fabled Seven Cities of Cíbola but turned back after hearing news that Esteban the Moor, who had gone ahead of the party, had been killed by Zunis for demanding women and food. He reported that he SAW the cities of Cibola.

Luis de Moscoso Alvarado

Apr 7, 1538

In the expedition, De Soto was the leader. They traveled in East Texas. They discovered the Mississippi river, where De Soto died. He treated Indians with torture (cutting off limbs, hanging). He also reported Texas to be a harsh land which set it back again.

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado

Nov 3, 1540

Coronado set out with Fray Marcos for the cities of Cibola. When he came across a resisting group of Indians, he burned 125 alive. Turk made him follow him to the so called Quivera whick was better because it had more gold and amazon women. It turned out Cibola AND Quivera were Indian villages. He reported badly which set back exploration.