What did Hernando de Soto discover?

De Soto’s Discovery of the Mississippi, 1541. (Johnson, Fry & Co., 1858). (Gilder Lehrman Collection) In 1539, Hernando de Soto led the first major European expedition into the interior of the southeastern North America, an area then known as La Florida.

What are some fun facts about Hernando de Soto?

Hernando de Soto | 10 Facts On The Spanish Explorer

  • #1 His parents wanted him to be a lawyer.
  • #4 He played a major role in defeating the Incas in the Battle of Cajamarca.
  • #5 He made an enormous fortune during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.
  • #6 Hernando de Soto was made governor of Cuba in 1537.

Where did Hernando de Soto explore?

Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and discovered the Mississippi River.

Why did Hernando de Soto explore?

Seeking greater glory and riches, de Soto embarked on a major expedition in 1538 to conquer Florida for the Spanish crown. He and his men traveled nearly 4,000 miles throughout the region that would become the southeastern United States in search of riches, fighting off Native American attacks along the way.

Why was de Soto’s expedition considered a failure?

Although he made it farther into the interior of the territory ofLa Florida than any previous explorers, he failed to establish good relations with the natives and find treasures (such as silver and gold) or other items that would bring riches to the members of the expedition and the Spanish crown.

How did Hernando de Soto discover the Mississippi river?

It shows Spanish conquistador and explorer Hernando De Soto (1500–1542), riding a white horse and dressed in Renaissance finery, arriving at the Mississippi River at a point below Natchez on May 8, 1541. De Soto was the first European documented to have seen the river.

Was Hernando de Soto a good person?

He certainly was brave and he may have been gallant according to the 16th century definition of the word. But, he certainly was neither benevolent nor kind. Not if old Spanish writers can be believed. Said one of them: ‘DeSoto was fond of the sport of killing Indians.

Did DeSoto find gold?

Traveling through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, across the Appalachians, and back to Alabama, de Soto failed to find the gold and silver he desired, but he did seize a valuable collection of pearls at Cofitachequi, in present-day Georgia.

Why was De Soto’s expedition considered a failure?

Who first crossed the Mississippi river?

conquistador Hernando de Soto
On May 8, 1541, south of present-day Memphis, Tennessee, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi River, one of the first European explorers to ever do so.

What is Hernando de Soto best known for?

Hernando de Soto is most famous for his exploration of North America. He led 600 men on a journey through what is now the southeastern United States. They were the first Europeans to explore most of this region. De Soto was sent by the King of Spain to explore and settle La Florida.

Was Hernando De Soto a good person?