Hernando de Soto
Our explorer is Hernando de Soto. De Soto was sent by Spain to look for gold. He also led the European expedition. De Soto was born in the Extremadura region of Spain, but no one is sure of his exact birthplace.
De Soto became interested in exploring areas because he wanted riches and power. He discovered the Mississippi River on May 8, 1541. King Charles the First of Spain gave de Soto orders to explore and claim regions of North America for Spain. These areas are the southern states on a map of the U. S.
De Soto was a leader in the conquest of the Inca. Some of the areas that de Soto explored are Western Florida and the Savannah River in Georgia. De Soto died of fever at the Mississippi River, where his man buried him in the river.
My Journal