SPANISH EXPLORERS IN TEXAS

Christopher Columbus Re-discovered America Thought he reached Asia/India Landed in the West Indies/Bahamas

Alvarez de Pineda First explorer to observe or “see” the Texas coast

Panfilo de Narvaez Drowned during a hurricane Survivors from expeditions were the first to set foot in Texas

Cabeza De Vaca First European to explore the interior of Texas Learned how to use herbs and perform surgery from the Natives

Estevanico African slave who traveled with Cabeza de Vaca Had great ability to learn languages quickly Memorized locations of food and water sources and important trails

Hernan Cortes Founded the city of Veracruz Aztec emperor Moctezuma thought he was a God Defeated Aztecs and took their riches

Searched for the 7 cities of Cibola Hernando De Soto Searched for the 7 cities of Cibola

Coronado After DeVaca reported about the 7 cities Coronado was sent on an expedition to find them. He is credited with strengthening the Spanish claim and gaining information concerning native people and the land of Texas and New Mexico though he found no gold (No 7 cities of Cibola nor Quivira)

La Salle French Explorer who established Ft. St. Louis near present day Victoria When Spain found out that France had built a fort in Texas, they began exploring the area again. Explorered the Mississippi and claimed land near the Gulf of Mexico for France, naming it “La Louisana” honoring his king Louis

Who explored where ☺ Spanish Mexico & Texas French Canada, Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Louisiana English East Coast.

Hardships Not enough food Climate Fights with Natives Disease