On This Day

What Happened in May 1539

Historical Events


Historic DiscoveryHernando de Soto's Expedition lands in Florida

May 30 Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's expedition of 10 ships and 700 men lands in Florida
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Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto lands on the coast of Florida, somewhere between present-day Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor
Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto lands on the coast of Florida, somewhere between present-day Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor

Famous Deaths

  • May 1 Isabella of Portugal, Queen of Spain and Empress of Germany, dies at 35
  • May 7 Ottaviano Petrucci, Italian printer, dies at 73

What Happened in 1539

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