Unit 2: Florida Explorers

Panfilo de Narvaez

He arrived in Florida in 1528 and wanted to start a colony and find gold, but it didn't work out. He explored the western coast and panhandle of Florida. He split his expeditions into two groups (a land force and a water force). The groups were to supposed to explore and reconnect, but the land force got stranded. They tried to sail to Mexico, but a storm hit and most of the men, including this explorer were killed.

Christopher Columbus

In 1492, this Spanish explorer sailed west from Europe. He wanted to find a new route to the continent of Asia. Instead, he landed on an island in the Bahamas.

Hernando de Soto

In 1539, this explorer and his group came to Florida to find gold. He also wanted to teach the Native Americans about Christianity. He failed because his expedition didn't get along with local tribes. They explored the southwestern part of North America and were the first Europeans to cross the Mississippi River.

Juan Garrido

This explorer explored Florida with Juan Ponce de Leon. Later he explored Mexico. He was born in Africa and later lived in Europe. He was probably the first free African in North America. He was the first person to grow wheat in the Americas.

Esteban Dorantes

This explorer was born in Africa and sold into slavery. He came to Florida as an enslaved person on the expedition led by Panfilo de Narvaez. He was one of the four men who made it to Mexico.

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

This explorer was part of the expedition led by Panfilo de Narvaez in Florida. He survived the storm that killed many people in the group. Only four of them made it to Mexico. He and the other survivors explored much of the southwest part of North America and learned about the Native Americans who lived there.

Juan Ponce de Leon

This explorer arrived in Florida in 1513. He was the first conquistador (Spanish explorer) to explore Florida. Many people think he was searching for the fountain of youth, but he really wanted to find gold. He claimed Florida for Spain. He also named Florida, which means "land of flowers".