Explorers of Texas History

Who was the first European to travel the length of the Mississippi River?

What did La Salle establish near Victoria, Texas?

What was the primary motivation for La Salle's exploration?

What happened to Fort Saint Louis after it was established?

Why did the Spanish establish a mission in the same location as Fort Saint Louis?

What motivated Alonso Alvarez de Pineda's exploration in 1519?

What occurred to Cabeza de Vaca in 1528?

What was one of the major accomplishments of Cabeza de Vaca?

What was Fray Marcos de Niza's outcome upon discovering the city he was seeking?

What factor led to the decline of Spanish interest in exploring Texas after Fray Marcos de Niza's expedition?

What was Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's main goal during his expedition in 1540?

Which area did Coronado notably explore during his expedition?

Who accompanied Fray Marcos de Niza on his journey to seek the seven cities of gold?

Alonso Alvarez de Pineda

Sailed along the Gulf of Mexico coast, possibly reaching the Rio Grande River in 1519.
His explorations were in search of a water route to the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico.
Created the first well-drawn map of the area.

Cabeza de Vaca

Shipwrecked off the Texas coast in 1528.
Survived by living with and trading with Native Americans, acting as a healer.
He and Estavanico were the first to extensively explore Texas.
Published a report about his experiences, inspiring further Spanish exploration of Texas in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola and gold.

Fray Marcos de Niza

Explored inland Texas in 1540 with Estavanico, searching for the Seven Cities of Gold.
His discovery of a "normal" city rather than the legendary golden city ended Spanish interest in further Texas exploration for a time.

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

Also explored inland Texas in 1540, aiming to conquer the Seven Cities of Cibola and claim its treasure for Spain.
Explored the Texas panhandle and the Grand Canyon.

Rene Robert Sieur de La Salle

In 1684, explored the Mississippi River.
Established Fort Saint Louis near Victoria, Texas, claiming the land for France.
Believed the mouth of the Mississippi River was in Texas (Matagorda Bay).
Fort Saint Louis was later found deserted, prompting the Spanish to establish a fort to protect their claim in Texas.

This quiz covers key explorers such as Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, Cabeza de Vaca, Fray Marcos de Niza, and Francisco Vasquez de Coronado. Learn about their journeys, encounters with Native Americans, and the impact of their explorations. Test your knowledge on early Texas exploration and its significance in history.