Spanish Exploration

Columbus' First Voyage

Aug 3, 1492

On this day Columbus set sail from Spain to find a water route to Asia. When he reached land on October 12, he thought they were in India and named the natives Indians. In fact, it was not India but had actually discovered North America (The New World). This was the beginning of exploration and the new world was discovered.

Cortes' Voyage

Nov 18, 1518

In 1518, Cortes set voyage to explore and secure the land of Mexico for colonization and find gold. While in Mexico exploring, he met the Aztecs which led to a three year war. Eventually, he won and conquered the Aztec empire in the interior of Mexico. While exploring, he found and brought back 99 tons of gold. This began many new explorations for others in hopes and dreams of finding their own.

Pineda's Voyage

Jun 2, 1519

Pineda's job was to find a sea passage to Asia and to map out the rest of the Gulf Coast. While he did not find his way to Asia, he was the first to map out the Gulf Coast. This was important because it led to others exploring his map and the gulf coast.

Start of DeVaca's Voyage

Jun 17, 1527

De Vaca was a treasurer and one of the chief officers on the expedition that was led by Pánfilo de Narváez, The purpose of the exploration was to explore the unknown territory which the Spanish called La Florida. Left there on five rafts and shipwrecked in Galveston.

DeVaca Discovers Texas

Nov 6, 1528

After some time of enduring storms, shortage of food, and Indian attacks they wrecked on Galveston Island. During the next four years, the crew steadily died off until only Cabeza de Vaca and three others remained. While there, he was captured by the Karankawa Indians but later earned their respect as a skilled medicine man. He also had encountered with the Coahuiltecan and the Jumanos Indians.

Fray Marcos and Estaban's Journey

Mar 21, 1539

The purpose of the trip was to find wealthy cities of gold. On the trip, Esteban went ahead as a guide and was killed by Indians. Fray Marcos saw the first city from a distance but did not enter because Esteban had been killed there. Many claim that Fray Marcos reported saying he had discovered one of the seven cities of gold and it was much larger than Mexico City.

Coronado's Expedition

Feb 23, 1540

The purpose of the trip was to find the seven cities of gold-Cibola like others before him. Once there, an Indian named Turk began leading them and was not truthful in taking them to Quivera. Coronado placed him under guard and had him strangled. The expedition paved the way for a succession of miners and missionaries over the next three centuries. His search also added very much to the geographical knowledge of the Spaniards. Two canyons called Texas Palo Duro and Grand Canyon were discovered.

Moscoso's Expedition

Jun 5, 1542

He was with the leader Hernando de Soto on a expedition to explore and find gold as well as reach New Spain. DeSoto died towards the end of the expedition because of a fever and Moscoso assumed command. It was reported that Texas had no gold, the Indians were mean, and it had harsh lands.