<P> Hernando de Soto ( c. 1495 -- May 21 , 1542 ) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who led the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern - day United States ( Florida , Georgia , Mississippi , Alabama and most likely Arkansas ) . He is the first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River . </P>
<P> Hernando de Soto ( c. 1495 -- May 21 , 1542 ) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who led the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern - day United States ( Florida , Georgia , Mississippi , Alabama and most likely Arkansas ) . He is the first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River . </P>
from 1539 to 1542 this spaniard traveled widely throughout the southeastern region of north america
from 1539 to 1542 this spaniard traveled widely throughout the southeastern region of north america
Hernando de Soto
Hernando de Soto