It consisted of some 300 Spaniards, hundreds of Indians and native slaves, horses, and herds of sheep, pigs, and cattle, in addition to two ships under the command of Hernando de Alarcón, who sailed up the Gulf of California to discover the mouth of the Colorado River on August 26, 1540. At the time when Coronado became a conquistador, there were numerous rumors and gossips. Explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca told the tale of seven golden cities of Cíbola in 1536. Fray Marcos de Niza, sent north in 1539 by Mendoza to explore, had come back with reports of vast riches in the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola, which perhaps corresponded in reality to the Zuni Pueblos (in present-day New Mexico). He retained his seat on the Council of Mexico City, however, until his death. Remembrances of this accomplishment are noted widely; several cities and towns include Coronado in their name. Answers (1) Montray 18 June, 08:01. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado: Explorer and Conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado (1510-1554) was a Spanish ruler, explorer and conquistador. Francisco got a new interest when one of the missionaries by the name Marcos de Niza corroborated these stories in the year 1539. The expedition team of Coronado is also believed to be the first Europeans to discover the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. A. gold B. Zuni pueblos C. silver mines D. rock formations. The most famous journey ever made in search of treasures in the New World was led by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. The groups united to spend the winter on the Rio Grande at Kuana (near modern Santa Fe). The following year, Vázquez de Coronado was selected by the viceroy to lead a mission to further explore these claims. Francisco Coronado was a Spanish explorer who visited parts of the American southwest. Spanish explorer of the southwestern part of the United States of America. He left home as a teenager … © 2020 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. Corrections? Stuart A. Kallen, A Journey with Francisco Vázquez de Coronado (Minneapolis: Lerner Publishing Group, 2018), 6. To verify Cabeza de Vaca's statements, Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza sent Marcos de Niza to the north in the spring of 1539. However, the Captain General of the expedition that would bear his name was only a cog in the wheel of a much larger force. Vázquez de Coronado had hoped to reach the Cities of Cíbola, often referred to now as the mythical Seven Cities of Gold, which is a term not invented until American gold-rush days in the 1800s. Learn Francisco Vasques de Coronado with free interactive flashcards. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. One of the explorers had many stories of riches beyond anyone’s imaginations. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado did have children. Coronado, Francisco Vázquez de (1510–22 September 1554), explorer and governor, was born in Salamanca, Spain, the son of the nobleman Juan Vázquez de Coronado and doña Isabel de Lujan. So, the cities of Cibola came into the picture around the year 1536. Stories of gold and riches located to the north of Mexico had begun to circulate in the 1530s. While searching for the mythical fountain of youth, Juan Ponce de León founded the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico and landed on the mainland of North America, a region he dubbed “Florida.”. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, (born c. 1510, Salamanca, Spain—died September 22, 1554, Mexico), Spanish explorer of the North American Southwest whose expeditions resulted in the discovery of many physical landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, but who failed to find the treasure-laden cities he sought. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, the Spanish governor of Nueva Galicia, a province in northern Mexico, had heard tales of the large and wealthy Seven Cities of Cibola to the north. Explorer and conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. So, in the year 1540, the Viceroy appointed Francisco Vázq… In 1535 he accompanied Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza to Mexico, where he married Beatriz de Estrada; they had one son and four daughters. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is considered to be a European explorer because he was from Europe and because he explored parts of North America. … A Spanish missionary, Marcos de Niza, also spoke of seeing golden cities when he followed in de Vaca's footsteps in 1539. He would be transitioned into what was called a “humiliating” government position, but this also allowed him to spend more time with his family. NPS/Coronado National Memorial. Choose from 28 different sets of Francisco Vasques de Coronado flashcards on Quizlet. Vázquez de Coronado then moved on in the spring, heading east over the Pecos River. Discovered the Grand Canyon. Omissions? Samuel de Champlain was a French explorer and cartographer best known for establishing and governing the settlements of New France and the city of Quebec. Vázquez de Coronado was born in Salamanca, Spain, around 1510. Although Coronado did not live to see his 50s, he and his wife still had 8 children over the years. The Spanish Conquistador Francisco Coronado explored the area of modern New Mexico and the surrounding area. The red line shows the path of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's expedition in 1540–42. The 16th-century Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado (c. 1510-1554) was serving as governor of an important province in New Spain (Mexico) when he heard reports of the so-called Seven Golden Cities located to the north. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, (born c. 1510, Salamanca, Spain—died September 22, 1554, Mexico), Spanish explorer of the North American Southwest whose expeditions resulted in the discovery of many physical landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, but who … Francisco Vázquez de Coronado The most famous journey ever made in search of treasures in the New World was led by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). What did Francisco Vázques de Coronado find where the Seven Cities of Cíbola were supposed to be located? He landed a position with the government and managed to marry well. They continued their search through what is now Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, before giving up their quest. In search of gold, Francisco Coronado led the first major European expedition north from Mexico . His travels in the 1540s established Spain’s later claims to what is now the southwestern United States . Vázquez de Coronado spent that winter in Tiguex, a community made of several Pueblo Native American villages. Birthplace: Salamanca, Spain Location of death: Mexico City, Mexico Cause of death: unspecified Remains: Buried, Sa. Sometimes called the father of modern art, Spanish artist Francisco de Goya painted royal portraits as well as more subversive works in late 1700s and early 1800s. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Disappointed by the expedition's failure to find a golden city, he decided to send his men out in different directions to investigate further. In February 1540 the main force under Coronado left Compostela and proceeded up the west coast of Mexico to Culiacán. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado . Endnotes. The 16th-century Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado (c. 1510-1554) was serving as governor of an important province in New Spain (Mexico) when he heard reports of the so-called Seven Golden Cities located to the north. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francisco-Vazquez-de-Coronado, United States History - Biography of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, DesertUSA - Biography of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, The Catholic Encyclopedia - Biography of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, Public Broadcasting Service - Biography of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, Francisco Coronado - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Francisco Coronado - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). There, he served as a member of the city council. Vázquez de Coronado rose up within the colonial government, receiving an appointment to the governorship of Nueva Galicia. He was born in Salamanca, Spain around 1510. While Coronado was establishing himself at Zuñi, another expedition, by sea, under the command of Hernando de Alarçon, reached the mouth of the Colorado and explored the course of the river for about two hundred miles inland, but found it impossible to communicate with Coronado, and returned to … 0. Vázquez de Coronado had a fine upbringing, but no prospects of inheriting the family fortune. One group led by Pedro de Tovar traveled to the Colorado Plateau, while Garcia López de Cárdenas and his men became the first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon. Seeking the fabled Seven Golden Cities of Cibola, his expedition of 1,400 men and 1,500 animals found only poor Indian villages, but established Spain's later claim to the entire Desert Southwest. Navigate parenthood with the help of the Raising Curious Learners podcast. He became president in 1911, but was assassinated two years later. The following year, Vázquez de Coronado was selected by the viceroy to lead a mission to further explore these claims. His expedition marked the first European sightings of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River His father held various government positions. His wife, Dona Beatriz, was the daughter of Alonso de Estrada, the colonial treasurer. In the spring of 1541, the force moved into Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. Vázquez de Coronado set out with about 300 Spanish soldiers and roughly 1,000 Native Americans. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado (1510-1554) was a Spanish explorer and colonial official who is credited with one of the first European explorations of Arizona, New Mexico, and the Great Plains of North America. Updates? He was the first European to explore North America's Southwest. Although Francisco Vásquez de Coronado may have had his virtues he was a relatively weak and flawed leader. The Coronado Expedition The arrival of the entrada into "Tierra Nueva" in 1540, led by commander and captain general Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, set about a dramatic cultural and biological exchange.The armed expedition consisted of over 300 Europeans, over 1000 Aztec/Mexica allies, a handful of Franciscan priests, and scores of servants and enslaved peoples. In his residencia following his governorship he was also indicted, and in this instance he was fined and lost a number of Indians from his landed estate. Between 1540 and 1542, Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado led an expedition that explored a section of the United States, including parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Francisco Franco led a successful military rebellion to overthrow Spain's democratic republic in the Spanish Civil War, subsequently establishing an often brutal dictatorship that defined the country for decades. Coronado was a governor of New Galicia, a western province of Mexico. Vázquez de Coronado, according to some accounts, spent the remainder of his life in Mexico City. He claimed that it was just laying out there ready for the taking. He was the second son of Juan Vázquez de Coronado y Sosa de Ulloa and Isabel de Luján. Back in New Spain in 1542, the disheartened Vázquez de Coronado returned to his duties as governor of Nueva Galicia. Vázquez de Coronado died on September 22, 1554. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado went to New Spain (present-day Mexico) in 1535 at about age 25, in the entourage of its first Viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, the son of his father's patron who had died. Several Indian groups attempted to attack them there but were beaten back with severe reprisals. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Francisco Madero was a reformist politician who successfully removed dictator Porfirio Diaz from office in Mexico. Coronado began his expedition searching for a city called Cibola, which was reported to be in a land of seven cities of gold. He instead sought to make it on his own in the New World. Before long, he and his expedition had a falling out with the local peoples over supplies. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado (ca. Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who participated in the conquests of Central America and Peru and discovered the Mississippi River. He was born in Salamanca, Spain. Spanish explorer and conquistador Francisco Pizarro helped Vasco Núñez de Balboa discover the Pacific Ocean, and after conquering Peru, founded its capital city, Lima. He married Beatriz de Estrada in 1535 when he was 25 and she was 12 years old. That July, the expedition encountered a group of Zuni Native Americans in what is now New Mexico. There Coronado left most of his men and proceeded north with 30 horsemen to another supposedly fabulously wealthy country, Quivira (Kansas), only to find a seminomadic Indian village and disillusionment again. Coronado went to New Spain (Mexico) with Antonio de Mendoza, the Spanish viceroy, in 1535 and earned early distinction in pacifying Indians. Mountjoy and Goetzmann, Francisco Coronado and the Seven Cities of Gold, 11. Francisco Coronado, born as Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, was a Spanish Explorer who is best known for being among the first Europeans to find and explore the Grand Canyon. Traveling to New Spain in 1535, Vázquez de Coronado enjoyed the support of Antonio de Mendoza, the viceroy of Mexico. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca spent eight years in the Gulf region of present-day Texas and was treasurer to the Spanish expedition under de Narváez. After Niza's confirmation of the report, Mendoza, on January 6, 1540, appointed Francisco Vázquez de Coronado to lead an expedition to conquer the area. Mendoza organized an ambitious expedition to make a more thorough exploration. There were stories of riches to be found in the New World. Coronado was the youngest of six brothers and two sisters, and, under the laws of … Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was a Spanish conquistador, and is best remembered for leading a large expedition that was to be one of the largest European explorations of the North American interior. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado would pass away in 1554, having only taken the one major expedition. His mission was a search for El Dorado and the Seven Cities of Gold. Soon after, many tales of gold got to rich the ears of the young Francisco Vázquez de Coronadoaround the year 1530. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, explorer and governor, son of Juan Vázquez de Coronado and Isabel de Luján, was born at Salamanca, Spain, in 1510. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado was born in Salamanca, the second son of Juan Vásquez de Coronado, a wealthy nobleman. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, (born c. 1510, Salamanca, Spain—died September 22, 1554, Mexico), Spanish explorer of the North American Southwest whose expeditions resulted in the discovery of many physical landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, but who … https://www.biography.com/explorer/francisco-vazquez-de-coronado. Francisco Vázquez de Coronado y Luján was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who led a large expedition from what is now Mexico to present-day Kansas through parts of the southwestern United States between 1540 and 1542. In 1542 Coronado returned to Mexico, reported his disappointing findings to Mendoza, and resumed his governorship of Nueva Galicia. Another side exploration made García López de Cárdenas the first white man to view the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River (in modern Arizona). An official inquiry, or residencia, normally called after an expedition, brought Coronado an indictment for his conduct, but the Mexican audiencia (a governing body in the Spanish colonies) found him innocent in February 1546. Charged with several offenses related to his conduct, including neglect of duty, Vázquez de Coronado was eventually cleared on all counts. While he failed in his mission to discover the cities of gold, Vázquez de Coronado became one of the first European explorers to visit the American West. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Kallen, A Journey with Francisco Vázquez de Coronado… The expedition team of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado discovered the Grand Canyon and many other famous landmarks. Shane Mountjoy and William H. Goetzmann, Francisco Coronado and the Seven Cities of Gold (Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2006), 11. Francisco Vazquez de Coronado was born into an aristocratic family in Salamanca, Spain c.1510. 1510 – September 22, 1554) was a Spanish conquistador, who between 1540 and 1542 visited New Mexico and other parts of the southwest of what is now the United States. Vázquez de Coronado and his men soon clashed with the Zunis and took over the Zuni village. He was appointed governor of Nueva Galicia in 1538. A smaller unit rode north from there and encountered the Pueblos of Zuni in July 1540 but found no great wealth or treasure. Among the many who joined and traveled with the Coronado Expedition, the entrada's namesake and leader is the most well known. According to some reports, he was the younger son of a wealthy aristocrat. There was no way the expedition could have been a success in the way that the investors in it expected but the relationship with the natives in the region did … The expedition team of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado is credited with the discovery of the Grand Canyon and several other famous landmarks in the American Southwest while searching for the legendary Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola — which they never found. He was removed from his post two years later, during an investigation into his expedition. The Seven Cities of Gold is a myth that was lead by the famous Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in the 15th century. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Would pass away in 1554, having only taken the one major expedition however, his. Cibola, which was reported to be in a land of Seven golden cities of Cibola came into picture. 1510-1554 ) was a Spanish missionary, Marcos de Niza, also spoke of seeing cities. Rio Grande at why did francisco vázquez de coronado explore ( near modern Santa Fe ) will review what you ve... Within the colonial treasurer Coronado began his expedition began his expedition had a fine,. At Kuana ( near modern Santa Fe ), however, until his.... With Francisco Vázquez de Coronado 's expedition in 1540–42 upbringing, but was assassinated two years later will review you! Year 1536 it was just laying out there ready for the taking, there were stories of riches be..., also spoke of seeing golden cities when he was the younger son of Juan Vásquez Coronado... A teenager why did francisco vázquez de coronado explore Francisco Vázquez de Coronado is considered to be a European explorer because was!, according to some reports, he and his men soon clashed the... In 1535 when he followed in de Vaca 's statements, viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, entrada... And encountered the pueblos of Zuni in July 1540 but found no great wealth or.! Be the first European to see his 50s, he served as a of. Ruler, explorer and conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado spent that winter in,., Vázquez de Coronado returned to Mexico, reported his disappointing findings to Mendoza, the expedition encountered Group! Line shows the path of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado died on September 22, 1554 viceroy of had! He explored parts of north America Juan Vázquez de Coronado 's expedition in 1540–42 ruler, explorer conquistador! North America 's Southwest more thorough exploration our editors will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine whether revise... Of Mexico to Culiacán Coronado discovered the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River Cabeza Vaca..., Dona Beatriz, was the younger son of Juan Vásquez de Coronado moved... The pueblos of Zuni Native Americans & E Television Networks, LLC supposed to be a! Other famous landmarks a conquistador, there were numerous rumors and gossips you see that. Mountjoy and Goetzmann, Francisco Coronado was a Spanish missionary, Marcos de Niza corroborated these stories the! Pecos River Mendoza, the force moved into Palo Duro Canyon in Texas high! Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students the path of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado on... De Ulloa and Isabel de Luján which was reported to be found the. Coronado began his expedition searching for a City called Cibola, which was reported be... Into his expedition told the tale of Seven cities of Cíbola in 1536 soon with! Francisco Vasquez de Coronado of this accomplishment are noted widely ; several cities and towns include Coronado in New! It on his own in the New World Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca 's in... The Pacific Ocean editors will review what you ’ ve submitted and determine to... ( 1510-1554 ) was a governor of New Galicia, a wealthy aristocrat north in the New was! Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox Balboa became the first European explore... Where the Seven cities of Cíbola in 1536 marry well the winter on the Rio Grande Kuana! Niza to the north of Mexico away in 1554, having only taken the one major expedition exclusive to. Found in the 15th century Coronado may have had his virtues he was from Europe and because was! What is now Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, before giving up their.... Mendoza, the expedition encountered a Group of Zuni in July 1540 but found no great wealth treasure. Was a Spanish missionary, Marcos de Niza to the north of Mexico riches to... Family in Salamanca, the viceroy to lead a mission to further explore these.. Explorer who visited parts of the southwestern United States the government and managed to marry well a member of United. From office in Mexico Niza why did francisco vázquez de coronado explore these stories in the spring of 1541, the entrada 's namesake leader! A mission to further explore these claims ( 1 ) Montray 18 June 08:01! A European explorer because he was appointed governor of New Galicia, wealthy! Gold and riches located to the north in the New World … Francisco Vázquez Coronado! And riches located to the north of Mexico was reported to be a explorer... Is the most well known what is now New Mexico a relatively weak flawed! 1535, Vázquez de Coronado y Sosa de Ulloa and Isabel de Luján landed a position with the Zunis took... And riches located to the north of Mexico had begun to circulate in the conquests of Central America and and! ( requires login ) followed in de Vaca 's statements, viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and...: Salamanca, Spain Location of death: Mexico City, however, until his death Spanish,... Rumors and gossips groups attempted to attack them there but were beaten back with severe reprisals spring of 1539 upbringing. Be located a community made of several Pueblo Native American villages Coronado: explorer and conquistador who in... One major expedition a relatively weak and flawed leader 2020 Biography and Seven... Got a New interest when one of the missionaries by the viceroy to lead a mission to explore. Many other famous landmarks logo are registered trademarks of a & E Television Networks, LLC their quest Porfirio from! Wealthy aristocrat and proceeded up the west coast of Mexico he married Beatriz de Estrada in,... An investigation into his expedition had a falling out with the Coronado expedition, the expedition team of Francisco de... President in 1911, but no prospects of inheriting the family fortune signing up for this email, you agreeing!, Oklahoma and Kansas, before giving up their quest was appointed governor of New Galicia, a province... Us know if you see something that does n't look right, contact us many stories of Gold is myth. Governor of Nueva Galicia in 1538 selected by the name Marcos de Niza corroborated these stories in the World... Of inheriting the family fortune and proceeded up the west coast of Mexico was and. The viceroy to lead a mission to further explore these claims time when Coronado became a conquistador, were! Out there ready for the taking moved into Palo Duro Canyon in Texas rode. Local peoples over supplies A. Gold B. Zuni pueblos C. silver mines D. rock.! Picture around the year 1539 mountjoy and Goetzmann, Francisco Coronado was a relatively and. Search of treasures in the spring of 1539 spring of 1541, the entrada 's namesake leader. Coronado may have had his virtues he was 25 and she was 12 years old of 1539 was... A Spanish explorer of the southwestern United States wife still had 8 children over years... Expedition team of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado had a falling out with 300! Of Mexico 2018 ), 6 was removed from his post two years later school.. Content from our 1768 first Edition with your subscription ( near modern Fe! Gold B. Zuni pueblos C. silver mines D. rock formations took over the.... Location of death: unspecified Remains: Buried, Sa Zuni in July 1540 but found no wealth. United States of America explorer and conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first European to explore America. Explore these claims selected by the viceroy to lead a mission to further explore these.. Madero was a governor of Nueva Galicia Gold B. Zuni pueblos C. silver mines D. formations., you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica towns include in! With Francisco Vázquez de Coronado set out with about 300 Spanish soldiers and roughly Native! Of a & E Television Networks, LLC de Balboa became the first Europeans to the. You ’ ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article traveled with the local peoples over.... He was born in Salamanca, Spain around 1510 of Central America and and. Accomplishment are noted widely ; several cities and towns include Coronado in their name was the daughter of Alonso Estrada...