h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Perhaps the most famous of the explorers in Florida, De Soto arrived at Tampa Bay on 30 May 1539. Born into a poor, but noble, family in about the year 1500, he managed to find a patron who funded his higher education. Hernando's family hoped he would practice law. When he learned that his patron had been appointed governor of Darien (today known as the country of Panama) Hernando insisted on joining him for adventure in the New World.

Being an accomplished horseman, Hernando soon found himself appointed as captain of a cavalry unit. He travelled far into Central America and proved himself a skilled negotiator with the local tribes, trading cheap trinkets for gems and precious metals.

He then turned south and joined the the army headed for Peru. After conquering the Inca and helping to establish the rich mines that would provide Spain with a large portion of her treasury for the next few centuries, he returned to Spain a very wealthy man. He had also established himself as a skilled leader.

He purchased an estate, found an agreeable wife, and prepared to settle back into a life of luxury. Then he head about the reports from the survivors of the Navarez expedition. He was convinced the the wealth had only eluded them through bad luck and probably a bit of inexperience. He knew he could return with even more wealth and glory. He would make no pretence of starting a colony, this time the only goal was find as much treasure as possible.

Hernando's fame gained in South America inspired a large number of knights and nobles to follow him. With at least 550 men under arms, 200 hundred horses and and a party of priests and friars to convert the heathen Indians, his expedition made a grand sight as they set out from Tampa Bay. The unexpected of addition of Juan Ortez gave them the additional advantage of being able to communicate with the local populace, at least at the start of their journey.

Convinced that Nararez had only missed the huge treasures by a few miles, the expedition headed into the interior of the peninsula and then turned to the north. By the time they had reached the pan-handle they had managed to raid some of the food stored by the Natives and resupply themselves. When the party reached Pensacola Bay they were able to send a report back to Cuba and obtain additional supplies from there.

They still had found no treasure so they pressed further into the heart of the country. They managed to cross the Mississippi river and then the Arkansas River to the North. Unfortunately neither Desoto and almost half of his command would live to report their findings. Desoto was buried on the bank of the Arkansas River after succumbing to a fever. The expedition is primarily remembered for the discovery of the Mississippi River.

310 managed to return to lands under Spanish rule in 1543.


F S

[Amy P]