Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and, in the course of exploring what was to become the southeastern United States, discovered the Mississippi River.
De Soto was born in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain, around 1496. He joined the Spanish army and fought in the conquest of Granada in 1492.
In 1514, he joined an expedition to the West Indies led by Pedro Arias Dávila. De Soto quickly made a name for himself as a soldier and explorer.
Also Read: 20 Famous Spanish Explorers in World History
In 1532, De Soto joined Francisco Pizarro's expedition to conquer the Inca Empire. He played a key role in the conquest and was one of the first Europeans to see the Inca emperor Atahualpa. After the conquest, De Soto returned to Spain with a fortune in gold.
In 1538, De Soto was commissioned by the Spanish crown to explore and conquer Florida. He landed in Florida with over 600 men and 220 horses.
De Soto's expedition traveled through Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. They encountered many Native American tribes, some of whom were hostile.
Also Read: Famous Spanish Conquistadors
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In 1541, De Soto's expedition reached the Mississippi River. He became the first European to cross the Mississippi River.
De Soto continued to explore the Mississippi River Valley, but he became ill and died in 1542. His men buried him in the Mississippi River.
De Soto's expedition was a failure in terms of finding gold, but it was a significant exploration of the southeastern United States. De Soto's expedition helped to map the region and to introduce Europeans to the Native American tribes who lived there.
Family Overview
There is one dominating quality within the family of Hernando de Soto and that is opportunistic.
He came from a meager background. Throughout his life, he had to earn his way and he was successful throughout his career.
He married a woman who also had the same personality and together they became wealthy leaders in the New World.
He did not have any children and therefore did not pass his wealth down to anyone.
Family Tree Chart
Parents:
His parent's names are not recorded but it is known they were hidalgos. Hidalgos or Hidalgas were a lower class of nobility. This meant that De Soto did not come from poverty, but also did not come from a wealthy family.
Spouse:
Isabel de Bobadilla - She married Hernando de Soto in 1537. She was in her late twenties or early thirties, which suggests that she may have been a widow or undesirable mate. The Conveyance of Dower shows that her family was wealthy and the marriage was a business arrangement. She would become the first female governor of Cuba and a powerful woman throughout New Spain.
Children:
None - It is possible that De Soto had some illegitimate children as was common for other conquistadors at this time. However, there are no children listed in the records. His wife was older and seemed to be focused on accruing power rather than building a family.
Siblings: Unknown