Title: Hernando de Soto's American Expedition - SciHi BlogSciHi Blog
Headings: Hernando de Soto’s American Expedition
Hernando de Soto’s American Expedition
Hernando de Soto’s First Expedition
Arriving in Florida
Failing to Find Any Gold
The Mississippi River
The Expedition Failed
References and Further Reading:
Author
Tabea Tietz

Content: Hernando de Soto’s First Expedition
Hernando de Soto left for his first expedition to the Peninsula of Yucatán in order to find a passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. The goal was to improve trading routes with the Orient. Unfortunately, his expedition failed wherefore he joined Francisco Pizarro ‘s fleet as a captain, departing for the present day Peru. De Soto’s troops fought against the Incan army and plundered their villages. During their following battles, the Spanish plundered further cities such as Cuzco, becoming very rich due to the great amounts of gold and silver found before returning to Spain in 1534. Arriving in Florida
After returning to Spain, Hernando de Soto and his activities in Peru were well known and his reputation grew. Only a few years later, the explorer had another crew with two ships together, leaving for North America. De Soto arrived at present day Brandeton, Florida along with 620 men and 220 horses. The conquistador and explorer brought mostly priests, farmers, engineers, merchants, and soldiers. The expedition made their way along Florida’s west coast up north, facing several issues with natives.