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Hernan Cortes, an explorer from Spain, lands in present day Mexico as he searches for gold and glory
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The Aztecs first thought that Cortez was one of their gods, come to earth in human form. He conquered them, using the advantages of advanced weapons, horses and with the help of disease (smallpox) that the Spaniards brought!
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Cabaza de Vaca was a part of the Narvaez expedition that landed in Florida, then made boats out of the hides of their horses and sailed to Texas, where they crashed. After being captured by the Karankawas, de Vaca was one of only 4 survivors.
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Cabeza de Vaca lived as a prisoner with the Indians for a few years, becoming a healer, or "Shaman". Eventually he was either released or escaped and wandered for thousands of miles through Texas and Mexico.
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After hearing de Vaca's stories of supposed wealth in the new land, Coronado set out with 1,000 men to find those riches
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After traveling with DeSoto from Florida and helping to "discover" the Mississippi River, where DeSoto dies, Moscoso enters East Texas. He encounters the friendly indians, who give the name "Tay Yas", which became "Tejas", then Texas
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After searching the Southwest (and finding the Grand Canyon), Coronado decides there are no golden cities of Cibola and gives up. He came into Texas in the Panhandle area, then turned and left!
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Jamestown, the first permanent English colony was established in the area that is now Virginia
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LaSalle travels down the Mississippi River, claiming the region along the way for France. He goes back to France and tells of the potential of the land, then sets sail back with 4 ships.
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After one of his ships turned back and returned to France, one was taken by pirates, the final two crashed in Matagordo Bay. LaSalle had missed the mouth of the Mississippi, his planned destination by 100 miles. He established Ft. St. Louis in Texas. It soon failed because of Indian attacks and lack of supplies.
