Fact 2: When was Francisco Vasquez de Coronado born? He was born c.1510
Fact 3: What was his country of origin and where was Francisco Vasquez de Coronado born? He was born in Salamanca, Spain
Fact 4: Francisco Vasquez de Coronado came from a Noble, wealthy Spanish family and spent time in the Spanish court
Fact 5: In 1535 went to New Spain (Mexico) with Antonio de Mendoza, the Spanish Viceroy
Fact 6: He met and married the rich daughter of the colonial treasurer. They had eight children
Fact 7: In 1538 Francisco Vasquez de Coronado was made governor of Nueva Galicia which was part of New Spain (Mexico)
Fact 8: In 1539 the Viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza, hears the legend of the Seven Cities of gold by a Franciscan friar named Marcos de Niza
Fact 9: The Viceroy asks Francisco Vasquez de Coronado to search South West North America for the Seven Cities of Gold
Fact 10: February 23, 1540: The expedition leaves from Compostela (Senora) Fray Marcos accompanies the expedition as a guide
Fact 11: The expedition consists of 340 Spanish troops, 300 Indians, 1000 horses, 1000 slaves and six swivel guns
Fact 12: 1540 July 7, 1540: They battle against the Peublo Indians at Zuni and Coronado is wounded.
Fact 13: The expedition continues to Cibola but they do not find El Dorado the gleaming city of wealth described by Fray Marcos.
Fact 14: Fray Marcos de Niza was dismissed as guide and sent back in disgrace
Fact 15: Francisco Vasquez de Coronado hears of another fabulous city of gold called Quivira and on April 23, 1541 they leave for the new destination
Fact 16: Jun 29 1541: The explorers cross the Arkansas River
Fact 17: The expedition arrives in Kansas and find Quivira. But there is no silver or gold. They spend the winter on the Rio Grande before turning back for Mexico.
Fact 18: Francisco Vasquez de Coronado discovers the Grand Canyon on the journey home
Fact 19: The expedition arrives home in 1542 and Coronado is seen as a failure but manages to retain his post of Governor
Fact 20: In 1544 he is removed from office when he is found guilty of committing atrocities against Indians. As punishment he is sent to work in a humiliating, minor position in Mexico City
Fact 21: There are no more expeditions for Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and he dies on September 22, 1554 |