Hernando de Soto

Hernando de Soto
Hernando de Soto
BornAround the 1500s
Died(1542-05-21)May 21, 1542 (aged 45 or 46)
Indian village of Guachoya (near present-day McArthur, Arkansas)
NationalitySpanish
Occupation(s)Spanish explorer and conquistador

Hernando de Soto (Jerez de los Caballeros, Badajoz, Spain, c.1496/1497[1]–May 21, 1542) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador. He led the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States. He was trying to find gold and a way to China. The expedition explored the southern United States. De Soto was probably the first European to discover the Mississippi River. He died in 1542 on the banks of the Mississippi River at present-day Lake Village, Arkansas.

  1. "Hernando de Soto", from Encyclopedia Britannica, Online edition. Full article freely available (3 pages: keep clicking "Next page" links).

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