De Soto's Discovery of the Mississippi

Hernando de Soto's Exploration

• Hernando de Soto led the first major European expedition into North America with 600 men.
• The expedition aimed to find gold and silver but ultimately resulted in the discovery of the Mississippi River.
• The discovery occurred in June 1534, following de Soto's death, with 311 surviving men reaching the river.

American Desire for Discovery

• The image representing de Soto discovering the Mississippi illustrates the themes of discovery, expansion, and conquest.
• Discovery is represented by de Soto's arrival in America and naming the region "La Florida".
• Expansion reflects de Soto's intentions to uncover riches similar to those found by other Spanish explorers.
• Conquest is depicted through symbols like the white horse and the cross, signifying dominance over the newly discovered lands.

Impact of De Soto's Exploration

• De Soto's expedition was not just about riches; it successfully marked the Mississippi River on maps.
• This expedition opened new travel routes for future explorers and settlers, demonstrating its long-term significance.

Explore the journey of Hernando de Soto and his expedition's historic discovery of the Mississippi River in 1541. This quiz delves into the details of the expedition and its significance in American history. Test your knowledge with flashcards about this monumental event.