FERNANDO DE SOTO

Fernando de Soto was born in 1496 in Xeres de los Caballeros, Spain.  Prior to his death on the Mississippi banks in 1542, he made a number of expeditions that put him on the records.  As the descendant of a nobleman, he still grew up in an impoverished family.  Fernando was heavily in debt to Pedrarias Davila while trying to pursue education where he distinguished himself in literary studies, along with various athletic performances.

In 1519, Fernando made a trip with Davila, the former governor of Darien, on his second expedition to America.  During this trip, he was able to display excellent determination and character, specifically when it came to oppressive measures of superior officers.  Then in 1527, he served on another expedition, this time to Nicaragua while under the command of Hernandez.  However, Hernandez did not follow Davila’s advice, costing him his life.  One year later, Fernando pulled back from service of his patron, choosing to explore coastlines and Yucatan, sailing some 700 miles in search of a strait that would connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Some time later, Fernando joined Pizarro on his expedition heading to Peru with the promise from Pizarro of holding the position as second in command.  Then in 1533, Fernando was sent out with 50 horsemen and several targeteers with the job of exploring Peru’s highlands.  With this, a pass in the mountains was penetrated and soon, a national road leading to the Peruvian capital was discovered.  Then, Pizarro sent Fernando as an ambassador to the Inca Atahualpa.  Capturing it, he protested with the chief for deceitfully refusing to release the Peruvian monarch.  However, while a tremendous amount of money was paid for his ransom, his attempts were all in vain.

Even so, Fernando was known for having completed the conquest to Peru, becoming a hero of the battle that resulted in Cuzco’s capture.  Interestingly, while Fernando landed in America with not more than a sword and target, he returned to Spain with a huge fortune worth half a million dollars.  With this money to his credit, he was able to marry Davila’s daughter while maintaining and enjoying the luxuries associated with being a noblemen.  As the adventurers returned, the belief in Spain was enhanced with people believing the northern hemisphere was a land of riches, far greater than Peru.

In his desire to excel Cortes and pass Pizarro’s wealth, Fernando asked and received permission from Charles V. to conquer Florida using his own money.  Quickly approved, Fernando was made Cuba’s governor.  Soon, men in vast numbers lined up to join the expedition, coming from Portugal and Spain.  With such a great selection, Fernando finally chose the best of the best, men who were in the prime of life.  The result was a new crew of 600 men, 20 officers, and 24 members of the cloth.

In the spring, the ship set sail from San Lucar, reaching Santiago de Cuba and stopping in Havana where women were required to stay until the conquest was over.  Fernando left his own wife in command as he crossed through the Gulf of Mexico, finally stopping in Espiritu Santo bay one month later in 1549, which is what we know today as being Tampa Bay.  As the soldiers landed, Fernando was extremely confident that they would succeed so he sent the ships back to Cuba.  The men on land quickly started to search for gold.  The expedition had everything needed for success to include chains for prisoners, weapons, high-tech equipment for that time, plenty of food, and more.  They even drove a herd of hogs that thrived in the climate and abundant food from the forest. 

The route they had to take through the country was challenging and violent due to Narvaez, a Spanish invader, as well as the aboriginal Indians.  Trying desperately to get rid of the Spaniards, they told stories of great wealth that could be found in very remote areas, which allowed the expedition to advance.  Moving to the northwest in the beginning, they headed into Appalachian country, spending the cold winter.  However, Juan Ortiz who had been captured by the Indians from Narvaez was unable to tell of any land containing silver or gold.

Soon, Ochus, Pensacola’s harbor, was discovered by one of the parties.  With this, they sent a message to Cuba asking for supplies to be sent to the location the following year.  In the meantime, unrest had developed among the Spaniards.  Turning to Fernando, he told them that he refused to turn back until he witnessed the lack of silver and gold for himself.  In the early part of 1540, they moved to the northeast and in the fall of that same year, reached the village of Marilla (Mobile) located on the Alabama River.

Unfortunately, upon arrival, they met with angry natives, resulting in the Spaniards losing more than 80 men and 42 horses.  However, the Indians lost 2,500 of their own.  While all of this was going on, the ships had arrived at Ochus but Fernando stood proud, refusing to send any message back pertaining to his fortunes.  From that point, he continued moving to the northwest, passing yet another harsh winter while in Chickasaw Indian country.  The following spring, he demanded from the Indian chief that 200 men carry the company’s burdens.  The chief hesitated and then while the Spaniards camped, the village was set ablaze.  This resulted in many of Fernando’s followers dying and much of their baggage and supplies lost.

For the next several weeks, forges were constructed, swords tempered, and lances made.  Then shortly after, Fernando continued moving northwest and after traveling for a week through marshes and forest, they reached the Mississippi River.  For one month, they remained on the banks of the river where they built barges capable of holding three horsemen each.  With this, they were able to pass to the other side, this time heading to the north on their way to Pacaha.  Once there, Fernando and his men remained for 10 days after which time they changed direction to the southwest and then the northwest, finally arriving at the White River.

Once there, they turned back to the south, passing near Arkansas’ hot springs.  At first, his men believed they had finally found the Fountain of Youth but then realized they were wrong.  For the third winter, Fernando and his men stayed on the Washita river in Antiamque.  By spring, he was determined to descend the river, finally coming back to the Mississippi River.  Unfortunately, while traveling down the river, he contracted a malignant fever.  Discouraged, tired, and pride shaken, Fernando finally realized that his death was near.  Gathering his faithful followers around, he appointed Luis de Moscoso as his successor and the following day, he died.  Because the local Indians believed Fernando had supernatural powers, they kept his death a secret.  At midnight, his body was wrapped in his mantle and gently lowered into the River he had discovered.  Soon, the number of followers was reduced by 50%, with those remaining passing to Natchitoches country.  By the spring, these members of the original crew headed back to the Mississippi River, building seven fragile boats to take them down the Gulf of Mexico where they finally dispersed.  After hearing about Fernando’s death, his beloved wife died in Havana just three days later.