Title: North American Journey – Georgia Historical Society
Headings: 
North American Journey
Preparation
Departure
Disputed Path through La Florida
Journey through La Florida
Time in Georgia

Content: North American Journey – Georgia Historical Society
North American Journey
Hernando de Soto’s expedition of La Florida lasted four years, from 1539-1543. He and his men explored over 4,000 miles of territory within ten modern U.S. states searching for riches and an ideal location to create a Spanish settlement. Even though the conquistador died in the process, survivors of his entrada returned without wealth, and a settlement was never established, the expedition succeeded as an intelligence mission. The information gathered by its members ultimately provided the monarchy with a better understanding of La Florida that they utilized in future, successful colonization efforts. Preparation
In April of 1537, just over one year after returning to Spain, Hernando de Soto signed a contract with the Spanish monarchy that gave him the rights to lead the conquest of La Florida. One month later, the King of Spain also appointed him Adelantado of La Florida, which granted him the right to govern whatever territory he conquered, and Governor of Cuba. This agreement outlined that de Soto himself would be responsible for funding and organizing the expedition. He immediately began recruiting the men, supplies, and intelligence that would be necessary to establish a successful settlement in the mysterious land. De Soto’s reputation as an accomplished leader and conquistador made it relatively easy for him to recruit men as volunteers. He believed, from the little information he had available, that La Florida would be similar in nature to Peru, which was extremely profitable for members of the expedition due to the riches of the Inca Empire.