Profile of the Day: Hernando de Soto
On May 30, 1539, Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando de Soto landed in Florida. Born to a noble but poor family, de Soto was drawn to the glory and wealth garnered from military fame. A key figure in the successful conquest of Peru, he returned to Spain a wealthy man. In 1938, he set sail to North America with a fleet of 10 ships and a crew of 700 men in search for gold. His expedition ranged throughout what his now the southeastern United States and is credited with discovering the Mississippi River. After crossing the Mississippi River, de Soto was struck with fever and died. His crew sank his body in the river that he discovered.
Do you have explorers in your family tree? Explore Hernando de Soto’s family tree to discover how you’re related!
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