Spain Leads the Way
Which European country was the first to explore and settle Texas?
Spain
Who conquered the Aztec Empire in 1519?
Hernán Cortés
Who claimed to see Cibola, the Seven Cities of Gold?
Marcos de Niza
What resource did the French trade for wealth?
Fur
Why did Spain build missions in Texas?
To keep land from the French and spread Catholicism.
What were the 3 G’s of Spanish exploration?
God, Gold, and Glory
Who mapped the Texas coastline in 1519?
Álvarez de Pineda
Who guided Marcos de Niza’s expedition?
Estevancio
Who claimed the Mississippi River for France?
La Salle
What were presidios?
Spanish forts built near missions for protection.
Who funded Columbus’ 1492 voyage?
King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella
Which explorer was shipwrecked near Galveston?
Cabeza de Vaca
Where did Coronado explore?
The Southwest and Texas Panhandle
What was the name of the French fort in Texas?
Fort St. Louis
What were pueblos?
Civilian towns near missions.
Why was Columbus’ voyage historically significant?
It brought European awareness to the Americas.
What was the title of Cabeza de Vaca’s book?
Bonus Point: What did he describe in the book?
Relacion
Bison
Which explorer crossed the Mississippi River into East Texas?
Hernando de Soto
What happened to La Salle on his expedition?
He was murdered by his own men.
Which tribes resisted Spanish missions with raids?
The Comanche and Apache
Define conquistador
A Spanish soldier-explorer who sought wealth and land.
How did Cabeza de Vaca survive among Native Texans?
As a slave, trader, and healer.
Why did Spain lose interest in Texas after these expeditions?
They found no gold or riches.
How did the Karankawa react to Fort St. Louis?
They attacked and destroyed it.
About how many missions were built in Texas?
Around 35