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On Aug. 3, 1492, Columbus sailed west to find a new route to Asia. Not knowing of the existence of America, Columbus landed in the Bahamas believing he was now in Asia and thus refering to the natives as Indians.
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In 1504, Cortes sailed to the New World to make a life for himself. He conquered Cuba, then sailed into Mexico and overthrew the Aztecs. He killed their king, Montezuma, made farms throughout Mexico, and spread Christianity, sailed to Spain to prove his innocence to the King and then sailed back.
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In 1519, Pineda set sail to find a water route to the Pacific. His journey is important because it sparked exploration of the Gulf Coast.
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On June 17, 1527, De Vaca's voyage to find gold, led by Narvez, started.
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De Vaca crash landed on Galveston, meeting the Karankawas. He then met up with Estevanico and walked through Central and West Texas, discovering the Coahuilitecans and Jumanos. This all happens between 1528 and 1537.
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In 1531, Fray Marcos and Esteban journeyed to study the northern land. Esteban was killed by Indians when asking for women and food. Fray Marcos reported of seeing Cibola.
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In 1535, Coronado searches for Cibola and Quivera. He is guided to Quivera by El Turko, who is forced to dig his grave and is strangled after Quivera is proved to be just a Zuni village. His expedition is important because Spain was given a valid claim to the southwest.
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On April 7, 1538, De Soto leads an expedition to search for gold. He later dies, and is thrown into the newly discovered Mississippi River.
