Hernando de Soto Profession: Spanish Explorer and Conquistador Nationality: Spanish 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. 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 HarborMay 30, 1539 Events in the Life of Hernando de Soto 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 Share On Facebook Share On Twitter Famous Conquistadors Diego de Almagro Juan Ponce de León Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo Famous Explorers Charles Wilkes Juan Ponce de León Richard Francis Burton
Diego de Almagro
Juan Ponce de León
Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo
Charles Wilkes
Richard Francis Burton