Hernando de Soto was the first European documented to have crossed what U.S. river?
Hernando de Soto Hernando de Soto Hernando de Soto (; ; 1500 – May 21, 1542) was a Spanish explorer and "conquistador" who was involved in expeditions in Nicaragua and the Yucatan Peninsula, and played an important role in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru, but is best known for leading the first Spanish and European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States (through Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and most likely Arkansas). He is the first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River. De Soto's North American expedition was a vast undertaking. It ranged throughout the southeastern
Hernando de Soto the Mississippian culture. De Soto's expedition led the Spanish crown to reconsider Spain's attitude toward the colonies north of Mexico. He claimed large parts of North America for Spain. The Spanish concentrated their missions in the state of Florida and along the Pacific coast. Many parks, towns, counties, and institutions have been named after Hernando de Soto, to include: Hernando de Soto Hernando de Soto (; ; 1500 – May 21, 1542) was a Spanish explorer and "conquistador" who was involved in expeditions in Nicaragua and the Yucatan Peninsula, and played an important role in Pizarro's conquest of the Inca