FRANCISCO VASQUEZ DE CORONADO
Born in 1510, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado only lived until 1554. During his life, he was a great Spanish explorer. Coronado headed to Mexico accompanied by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza. By 1518, he had been appointed governor of Neuva Galicia. During research, the Viceroy was intrigued by Fray Marcos de Niza’s report pertaining to the Seven Cities of Cibola to the north in which great wealth was described. Determined to learn more, Niza organized an expedition so the region could be explored by land.
Made Captain General, Coronado set sail in 1540. He started the journey at Compostela, crossing today’s Sonora and southeast Arizona, finally reaching Cibola, which was the Zuni country of New Mexico. Unfortunately, when Coronado arrived, he discovered no wealth and no fertile land. Even so, he and his lieutenants headed out, visiting various Hopi villages found in northern Arizona.
One of his men, Garcia Lopez de Cardenas was responsible for discovering the world wonder - Grand Canyon. Another of his lieutenants by the name of Hernando de Alvarado headed to the east where he visited Acoma, as well as native pueblos of the Pecos and Rio Grande. During this trip, Alvarado met a Native America who hailed from the Plains tribe called the Turk. This Indian told Alvarado about the wealth of Quivira toward the east.
Taking the information back to Coronado, he again was hopeful. Spending yet another winter on the Rio Grande, which is close to today’s Santa Fe, he started up unnecessary wars with the Indians. However, he finally set out in 1541 on his quest to find Quivira, believing the Turk Indians had provided him with accurate information. However, most historians believe Coronado and his men ended up in the Texas Panhandle, reaching Palo Duro Canyon where he headed to the north going into Oklahoma and eventually, Kansas.
When they finally reached Quivira, all they found were native villages that were long void of any precious metals and jewels. Feeling completely disillusioned, he and his men turned back, spending the winter of 1541 on the Rio Grande once again. Then in the spring of 1541, Coronado left the northern country, heading to Nueva Alicia, which led him into the Mixton War. By 1544, Coronado was released from his role as governor, choosing to live the remainder of his life hidden away in Mexico City.
Although Coronado never found the vast wealth, he had hoped to find, his expedition had accomplished something - the acquaintance of the Spanish with the Pueblo. This actually helped to open up the southwest territory. Making his achievement even more incredible were future expeditions going from Nueva Galicia to south Arizona and then into the lower regions of California.