What was Hernando de Soto the first European to discover?

In 1541 de Soto and his men became the first Europeans to encounter and cross the great Mississippi River; de Soto died early the next year.

Where did Hernando de Soto first explore?

On May 21, 1541, the Spanish first saw the Mississippi River, the "Father of Waters" south of Memphis, Tennessee. They crossed the river and came through Arkansas and Louisiana. So early in 1542 de Soto returned to the Mississippi River.

Who did Hernando de Soto sail for?

Hernando de Soto is most famous for his exploration of North America. He led 600 men on a journey through what is now the southeastern United States. They were the first Europeans to explore most of this region. De Soto was sent by the King of Spain to explore and settle La Florida.

Who was the first European white man to explore Arkansas?

Hernando de Soto
–1542) Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer who led an expedition into the southern United States. He and his soldiers were the first Europeans to set foot in what is now Arkansas.

Where did Hernando de Soto go on his expedition?

De Soto's expedition to North America. They moved inland and eventually camped for the winter at a small Indian village near present-day Tallahassee. In the spring, De Soto led his men north, through Georgia, and west, through the Carolinas and Tennessee, guided by Indians whom they captured along the way.

Who was Hernando de Soto's successor after his death?

After his death on 21 May 1542, his comrades buried his body in the great river. His successor, Luis de Moscoso, led the remnants of the expedition (which was eventually decimated in half) on fleets down the Mississippi, finally reaching Mexico in 1543.

Hernando de Soto and his fellow Spaniards originally referred to the Mississippi River as the Rio Grande for its enormous size. That custom was gradually replaced with the use of the river's Indian name, Meaot Massipi (or "Father of the Waters").

Who was the first European to make contact with the Incas?

Before Spanish forces defeated the Incas at Cajamarca that November, de Soto became the first European to make contact with the Inca emperor Atahualpa. When Pizarro's men subsequently captured Atahualpa, de Soto was among the emperor's closest contacts among the Spaniards.