Age of Contact
Gold, God, and Glory
Hernan Cortez
Hernan Cortez was a Spanish explorer and came from Spain. Cortez explored from 1519 to 1521. He arrives in Mexico, but never steps foot in Texas. Cortez traveled to Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire. During his travels he was searching for gold - and yes he did find it! He was also searching for glory, and he did that by conquering the Aztecs. He defeats the Aztecs and claims the land for Spain. After he found gold, the Spanish king kept sending more explorers to search for gold.
Alonso Alvarez Pineda
Alonso Alvarez Pineda was a Spanish explorer ans a map-maker. Pineda sailed for the Spanish governor of Jamaica. Pineda came from Spain and mapped Texas along the gulf of Mexico. Pineda commanded a Spanish expedition. Pineda mapped the Gulf of Texas in 1519. Pineda mapped the Gulf Texas by sailing up a large river and trying to establish settlement. Pineda was the captain of his expedition. He died during an Indian revolt in present day Jamaica.
Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
Cabeza de Vaca was Spanish explorer that sailed to North America from Spain. Cabeza de Vaca explored in 1490 and left Spain to sail to North America. He shipwrecked off the coast of Texas (Galveston) in 1528 and spent time as a slave to Native Americans. He escaped and explored the inner most parts of present day Texas. Cabeza de Vaca sailed for Panfilo de Narvaez. Cabaeza de Vaca came from Extramadura Castille, Spain. Cabeza de Vaca was the first European explorer to set foot in the future lone star state. Cabeza had five different ships. He had one of the largest crews, including more than three hundred people.
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
Coronado was a Spanish explorer and ruler, also known as a conquistador. Coronado explored in 15 40 down the Mississippi river. He was sent by the Spanish King to search for gold. He explored in Mexico, or New Spain. Coronado came from Salamanca, Spain. In 1535 Coronado traveled to New Mexico with Antonio de Mendoza.
Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
La Salle was a French explorer, he claimed land for the French. La Salle sailed the Mississippi river by sea in 1684. He sailed for King Louis XIV. La Salle came from Rouen, France. He is best known for leading an expedition down the Mississippi river. The name of the boat La Salle sailed was called La Belle.
Hernán Cortés - Mini Biography
Francisco Vazquez de Coronado - Mini Biography