early exploers By stu.newcomert@mishawaka.k12.in.us 1519 hernando cortes-sailed for spain went into central america Period: 1528 to 1536 alvar nunez cabza de vaca explored the northtwest and southwest Period: 1539 to 1542 hernando de soto explored florida and north carolina Period: 1540 to 1542 francisco vasquez de coronedo discovered the grand canyon 1542 juan cabrillo sailed for spain explores up from mexico intio modern day california 1773 barteloumia dias sailed from portugual the cape of good gope