The first explorer of Georgia Hernando de Soto The first explorer of Georgia

In 1537, Hernando de Soto wanted to try to colonize La Florida. He was granted permission from the king of Spain, and was given 18 months to explore an area 600 miles inland from the Florida coast.

If he succeeded he would receive: He was to look for: Riches To conquer hostile Indians If he succeeded he would receive: A title Land portion of the colonies profit.

In 1539, they sailed for the North American mainland. They headed north, crossing into Georgia, encountering the Indian chiefdoms of the Mississippian Period.

His route through the southeast quickly became a journey of death and disappointment. Food was a continual problem, and de Soto often seized(took)stored food supply from the Indians.

The three-year search turned up practically no gold or silver. Harsh Times meat was in such short supply, that they ate the dogs in some Indian Villages. The three-year search turned up practically no gold or silver. Almost half the men, including de Soto, died from disease, exposure, Indian attacks or other causes.

The natives had never seen Guns Tragic Fate of Natives The natives had never seen Guns steel swords metal armor Horses They had only weapons of stone and wood, and were often unable to defend themselves.

Tragic Fate of Natives Many were killed in battle tortured and murdered by the Spanish forced into slavery exposed to European disease which they had little resistance

Smallpox, which spread rapidly throughout the southeast, killed about one in three Indians. In just a matter of years, chiefdoms were abandoned and entire villages stood vacant.

Remaining Natives For the few Indians who survived, life was forever changed. Their descendants would later emerge as the Cherokee, Creek, and other native tribes and nations.

What happened to Hernando de Soto? In 1542, De Soto died of fever. His men buried him in the Mississippi River to hide his death from the Indians. Though he found no gold, Hernando de Soto claimed the land he explored for Spain. The remaining men returned to Mexico.

De Soto’s reason for coming to the New World was for gold. Do you feel that De Soto’s search for gold was reason enough to rob/kill Native Americans? Explain. How do you feel De Soto’s troops felt about being led around the southeast for three years with nothing to show for it? Opinions?