5.3 Searching for the Lost Cities of Gold

Search for the Lost Cities of Gold De Vaca reported his adventures and told that he had heard that there were cities of great wealth in the north. The viceroy sent a Catholic priest, Fray Marcos de Niza north to find these cities Because Estavanico knew the land, Fray Marcos chose him as his guide.

Estavanico goes ahead of the group…. The explorers crossed what is now Arizona and into New Mexico. Estavanico wore bright clothing so he would look like a healer. Estavanico reported back that he had reached one of the cities and people were wearing gold jewelry and drinking from golden cups Estavanico angered the villagers who killed him

Afraid of the same fate that befell Estavanico… Fray Marcos moved to high ground to view the city from afar. He saw it shining in the distance, with buildings that sparkled like gold in the desert sun. He excitedly reported that he had found seven wealthy cities, which the Spanish called “Cibola”.

Coronado’s Search for Cibola Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led 300 soldiers, several religious officiates and 1000 Mexican Indians on the search. Fray Marcos served as his guide. When Coronado reached the site that Fray Marcos had seen, the found a force of Zuni Indians waiting and defeated them. No gold was found, just adobe brick houses that shone in the desert sun like gold.

Coronado Hears of Quivera Disappointed, Coronado sent groups out to explore the land and search for treasure. While in Tiguex, the Spaniards met an American Indian whom they called the Turk that told them of a city full of gold called Quivira

Troubles for the Coronado Expedition Coronado planned and expedition that spring A harsh winter depleted them of supplies, forcing the Tigua Indians to give them food and clothing The Tigua grew angry and fighting broke out between them and the Spaniards Many Tigua were killed before the Spainish gained control.

Coronado Travels Through Texas

Coronado in Texas Guided by the Turk, Coronado set out in search of Quivera The explorers traveled onto the flatlands of the Texas Panhandle The expedition continued across the Llano Estacado, moving east, they moved into the Caprock Escarpment and into the deep gorge that is known as the Palo Duro Canyon, where they camped.

No gold again…. The expedition headed north into what is now Wichita, Kansas and reached Quivira Coronado asked The Turk why he lied and the Turk said the Tigua made him tell the story so that they would leave. Coronado had The Turk killed for his actions Coronado returned to Mexico City in 1542…his expedition considered a failure by the Spanish.

Moscoso Explores East Texas Hernando De Soto Hernando De Soto explored what is now the Southeastern U.S. In May 1542, he died of fever and Luis de Moscoso de Alvarado took command and decided to head back to Mexico City He lead the explorers into East Texas where they met many Caddo Indians He returned to the Missisippi River and headed back to Mexico City He reported that Texas is a geographically varied land and even mentioned seeing a thick, black goo seeping from the ground….Petroleum! Moscoso in Texas