Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

Francisco is Born

Mar 5, 1510

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is born into a wealthy family in Salamanca, Spain. Not much else is know about his childhood.

Rumours of Riches Grow

Jan 1, 1530

Coronado hears rumours of riches in the land just above Mexico. He becomes very curious to what exactly is there.

Coronado Sails for Mexico

Jan 1, 1535

Francisco sails to Mexico in hopes of finding riches and gold. He was also appointed to do this by the Viceroy of Mexico.

Seven Cities of Gold

Jan 1, 1536

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca traveled through North Mexico and stated that there were Seven Cities of Gold. (which Francisco found later that they were non-existent.)

Francisco is sent to explore

Jan 1, 1540

The Viceroy of Mexico send Coronado to search for the Seven Cities of Gold and other riches.

Expedition is a failure

Period: Jun 1, 1540 to Oct 8, 1540

After months of exploring, Coronado and his men come back emoty-handed. He and his men split up in search of different treasures.

Francisco discovers the Grand Canyon

Jan 1, 1541

Francisco discovers the Grand Canyon, while some of his men discovered the Colorado Plateau.

Francisco returns to Mexico

Jan 1, 1542

After Coronado is sure there is no gold to discover, they return to Mexico.

Francisco punished for Expedition

Jan 1, 1544

When Francisco returned, the Viceroy charged him with 'Neglecting Orders." He was eventually cleared of this charge.

Coronado is rewarded

Jan 1, 1549

Francisco is rewarded for his service with a peice of land. (After his charges were cleared.)

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado dies

Jan 1, 1554

Coronado dies after being trampled by his horse, and the wound becoing infected from lack of care.