1. 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

2. 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 st 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

3. 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 ,000 head of cattle and sheep in preparation for their colonization plans

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

8. 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

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

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