Spanish Explorers

•  Francisco Vasquez de Coronando: The Southwestern part of the United States was discovered by him, including places like the Grand Canyon.

Juan Ponce de Leon

•  Juan Ponce de Leon: Searching for the Fountain of Youth, he was the first European to explore what is now Florida.

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•  Hernando De Soto: The first expedition across southeastern United States was led by him.

Christopher Columbus

•  Christopher Columbus: After the Vikings, he was the first person to discover the Americas.

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•  Ferdinand Magellan: He led the first expedition around the world.

•  Francisco Pizzaro: He conquered the Inca empire.

•  Hernando Cortes: A conquistador who both conquered and defeated the Aztec Empire.