Hernando de Soto

Profession: Spanish Explorer and Conquistador

Nationality:

Why Famous: Led the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States, and the first documented to have crossed the Mississippi River.

Birthplace: Barcarrota or Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain

Died: May 21, 1542
Cause of Death: Fever

Articles and Photos

Hernando de Soto's Expedition lands in Florida
Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto lands on the coast of Florida, somewhere between present-day Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor
May 30, 1539

Historical Events

1539-05-30 Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's expedition of 10 ships and 700 men lands in Florida
1539-06-03 Hernando De Soto claims Florida for Spain
1540-06-03 Hernando de Soto crosses the Appalachian Mountains, 1st European to do so
1541-05-08 Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his expedition discover the Mississippi River