Juan de Oñate's Journey through Texas to Santa Fe The First Thanksgiving in America Juan de Oñate's Journey through Texas to Santa Fe

Juan de Oñate Spanish Conquistador and Explorer Juan de Oñate was born in Zacatecas, Mexico in 1550 He was well educated and raised in a family who were soldiers, explorers and the 1st of the Spanish colonists In 1595 Juan de Oñate received instructions from King Philip II of Spain to colonize the region of the upper Rio Grande and New Mexico

Three years passed in preparing for the exploration and new colonists to accompany the expedition 1598: The expedition started in January with 175 soldiers, their families and new settlers. They also took over 5,000 head of cattle and sheep in preparation for their colonization plans

The expedition of Juan de Oñate explored the territory of Mexico, Texas, and New Mexico.

As the expedition traveled across the As the expedition traveled across the Chihuahuan desert, may people died from the heat, lack of water, starvation, and disease.

When they reached the Rio Grande they realized they were safe. The river offered water to drink and fish to eat. 1598: Juan de Oñate held a festival and the priests celebrated Mass to give thanks for a safe passage across the Rio Grande.

This was the first Thanksgiving feast in America - 23 years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock We were first. Bummer.

1598: (April 30) Juan de Oñate. made a formal declaration of 1598: (April 30) Juan de Oñate made a formal declaration of possession of New Mexico 1598: (July) Juan de Oñate established his headquarters in the New Mexico colony

So, just to review… Where was the First Thanksgiving in America? El Paso, Texas

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