Hernando de Soto Facts

Discovery of the Mississippi by Hernan de Soto

Discovery of the Mississippi
by the explorer Hernan de Soto

This article on  the biography and life of Hernando de Soto provides facts and information about:

  • Who was Hernando de Soto?
  • What was his involvement in the Discovery of America?
  • Life and Biography of this famous explorer
  • Fast information and interesting, fun facts
  • Educational resource for teachers and kids
Explorers & Discovery of America
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History of the Famous Explorers and the Discovery of America

The discovery of America and the brave explorers like Hernando de Soto who led the way for the early colonists

Facts about Hernando de Soto
The following Fact File contains fast information about the life of Hernando de Soto. Interesting facts and an overview and description of the life and times and his involvement in the Exploration and the discovery of the New World leading to the colonization of America.

Facts about Hernando de Soto

Hernando de Soto Fact 1Why was Hernando de Soto famous and what part of America did he explore? Hernando de Soto explored the southeastern United States from Tampa Bay to  South Carolina and was the first European to cross the Mississippi River. His explorations also took him to Peru, the land of the Incas 
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 2When was Hernando de Soto born? He was born c.1500
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 3What was his country of origin and where was Hernando de Soto born? He was born at Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, Spain
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 4Hernando de Soto came from a middle class Spanish family
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 5At just 14 years of age he left home on a voyage to the Indies in 1514
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 6Hernando de Soto enjoyed the experience of life at sea and in 1519 he joined another expedition to the New World heading for Panama in South America where Spanish colonies had already been established.

Hernando de Soto

Picture of Hernando de Soto
 

 
Hernando de Soto Fact 7The next expedition in 1524 took him to Nicaragua, South America, with Francisco de Cordoba, where they both participated in the lucrative slave trade.
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 8The next voyage he undertook was with an expedition to Peru led by Francisco Pizarro
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 9The expedition to Peru started in January 1531 with three ships and over 200 men
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 10On November 15, 1532  Pizarro and the expedition reached Cajamarca and captured Atahuallpa, the emperor of the Inca people. Thousands of Incas were killed and the fantastic treasure of the Incas was stolen
 
 

Facts about Hernando de Soto for Kids

Facts about Hernando de Soto
This article contains a short biography in a fact file format in date order. Fast facts and information about the life of Hernando de Soto. Who was Hernando de Soto and why was he famous? When did he explore the New World of America? Which area of America did Hernando de Soto explore? Read the fact file that provides fast access to interesting facts for kids about the life of this famous explorer and his place in the history of America.  For more info refer to the
Spanish in America.

Facts about Hernando de Soto

Hernando de Soto Fact 11On 6 January 6, 1535  Pizarro founded Lima in Peru
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 12Hernando de Soto took his half of the Inca treasure and became a very wealthy man. He returned to Spain 1536 and settled in Seville
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 13In 1537 he married Ines de Bobadilla the youngest daughter of Pedrarias Davila (Pedrarias Davila had been instrumental in the downfall of Vasco Nunez de Balboa in 1519)
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 14His reputation as an explorer had reached the attention of the Spanish King who granted him the rights to conquer Florida
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 151538 April 6, 1538: The Hernando De Soto expedition left Sanlucar, Spain for the New World and Florida. the expedition consisted of 10 ships, 950 soldiers and 10 priests to convert the Native Indians to Christianity
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 16The expedition first landed at Cuba where they prepared for the send part of their voyage to Florida.
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 17Between 1538 and 1542 Hernando de Soto explored Florida.
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 18His frantic search for silver, gold or other riches led him to make the most brutal attacks on the Native Indians of Florida.
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 19Hernando de Soto explored the areas from Tampa Bay to  South Carolina
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 20He was the first European to cross the Mississippi River.
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 21May 21, 1542: Hernando de Soto contracted a fever and died on May 21, 1542
 
 
Hernando de Soto Fact 22Hernando de Soto was buried on the banks of the Mississippi River
 
 

Facts about Hernando de Soto for Kids

Hernando de Soto Facts for kids
The life and biography of Hernando de Soto is presented in a short, easy fact file format that is highly suitable for kids. The facts about  are a fast and accurate way to gain a good understanding of the life of this famous man who played a major role in the Discovery of America. The facts include the major events in the life of Hernando de Soto together with important dates and details of his family. For additional facts for kids and information refer to the additional articles including:

Mercator World Map

The Exploration & Discovery of America - The Geradus Mercator World Map

Hernando de Soto

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