Exploration of North America

Hernando de Soto | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 10, 2025

---

Who is Hernando de Soto?

Hernando de Soto was a notable Spanish explorer and conquistador born around 1500 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. Raised in a noble yet impoverished family, de Soto initially pursued an education supported by his patron, Pedro Arias Dávila, but his adventurous spirit led him to the West Indies instead. Joining Dávila on an expedition in 1514, de Soto showcased his skills as a horseman and quickly emerged as an influential trader exploring Central America. His pivotal role in the conquest of Peru alongside Francisco Pizarro in the 1530s solidified his reputation, as he amassed substantial wealth and earned the respect of his peers.

In 1539, driven by stories of riches in North America, de Soto embarked on an expedition that would lead him to explore the southeastern region of what is now the United States. He and his crew landed in Florida but faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes and the harsh realities of exploration. De Soto’s quest uncovered the Mississippi River, making him the first European to document this significant waterway. However, after a strenuous journey, his life came to an end due to fever on May 21, 1542, in Louisiana, where he was ultimately laid to rest in the river he had famously discovered.

Early Life and Education

Hernando de Soto was born around 1500 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain, into a noble family that struggled with financial constraints. His upbringing in a modest manor shaped his early ambitions, and although his family hoped he would pursue a career in law, de Soto's adventurous spirit drove him to explore the New World. The family's fortunes took a turn when a wealthy patron, Pedro Arias Dávila, offered to fund his education at the University of Salamanca. This opportunity laid the foundation for de Soto's future as an explorer and conqueror.

While his family envisioned a legal career for him, de Soto's aspirations led him to embark on an expedition to the West Indies in 1514, organized by Dávila. His skills as an excellent horseman quickly earned him the role of captain of a cavalry troop. As they ventured through regions like Nicaragua and Honduras, de Soto's leadership abilities and trading skills came to the forefront. He successfully engaged in profitable exchanges with Indigenous peoples, garnering profits and laying the groundwork for his future endeavors as a distinguished explorer in the Americas.

Conquest of Peru and Career Start

Hernando de Soto's early career began with his involvement in expeditionary missions following his education and initial training in Spain. After his family's aspirations for him to become a lawyer, de Soto's adventurous spirit led him to join the governor of Darién, Pedro Arias Dávila, on an expedition to the West Indies in 1514. Demonstrating exceptional skills as a horseman and a leader, he captained a cavalry unit, engaging successfully with local indigenous populations and establishing trade relations. This experience equipped de Soto with crucial knowledge and combat skills that would serve him well in his later conquests.

By 1532, de Soto had ascended to a prominent position, becoming the second-in-command to Francisco Pizarro during the expedition to conquer the Incan Empire in Peru. His tactical prowess proved vital during the campaign, particularly in the successful battle for Cuzco, the heart of the Incan civilization. This expedition yielded vast wealth, contributing to de Soto's reputation as a formidable conquistador. Upon returning to Spain in 1536, de Soto enjoyed a lavish lifestyle buoyed by his share of the spoils, amounting to an impressive 18,000 ounces of gold. However, the lure of new adventures awaited him, igniting his ambitions for further exploration beyond the borders of known territories.

Exploring North America and His Major Achievements

Hernando de Soto's expedition through North America began in 1539, fueled by ambitions of wealth and glory similar to those he experienced in Peru. Departing from Spain with a fleet of ten ships and a robust crew of 700 men, de Soto initially made landfall in Florida at Tampa Bay. Over the next three years, he navigated through what is now the southeastern United States, exploring areas of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. His journey was marked by encounters with indigenous tribes, ranging from trade to conflict. De Soto's relentless search for gold and fertile lands was instrumental in opening new territories for European exploration.

One of de Soto's most significant contributions was his discovery of the Mississippi River, which he and his men traversed in 1541. This landmark event established him as the first European to explore the river, paving the way for future expeditions and colonization of the region. Despite facing numerous challenges, including ambushes from Native Americans and disease affecting his crew, de Soto's adventurous spirit and leadership left an indelible mark on the history of North America. His discoveries laid the groundwork for further exploration and expansion into the interior of the continent.

Death and Legacy

Hernando de Soto passed away on May 21, 1542, in Ferriday, Louisiana, as he succumbed to a fever after an arduous exploration of the southeastern United States. His death came after a challenging expedition filled with both triumphs and tragedies, as nearly half of his crew had been lost to disease or conflicts with Indigenous peoples. De Soto's final wish was fulfilled through his will, which named Luis de Moscoso Alvarado as the new leader of the expedition, ensuring the continuation of their journey in search of further conquests and riches.

De Soto's legacy is significant in the annals of exploration, particularly for his role as one of the first Europeans to explore the Mississippi River. His journey contributed valuable knowledge about the geography, indigenous peoples, and resources of North America. However, de Soto's expeditions are also marked by the devastating impacts of European colonization, including violence and enslavement of Native American populations. Hence, he remains a complex figure in history, representing both the spirit of exploration and the darker aspects of European expansion into the New World.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Hernando de Soto married Isabel de Bobadilla in 1536, shortly after returning from his successful expedition to Peru. Isabel was the daughter of Pedro Arias Dávila, de Soto's former patron, and this union was likely influenced by de Soto's desire to solidify his social standing in Spanish society. The couple settled in Seville, where de Soto enjoyed the wealth he had acquired through his conquests. Though de Soto's adventurous spirit drove him toward exploration, his marriage provided a stable foundation, allowing him to shift gears from the dangers of conquest to the comforts of Spanish life.

Despite his stable home life, Hernando de Soto's desire for exploration remained strong, ultimately leading him to embark on his expedition to North America in 1539. The couple did not have any recorded children, and the absence of heirs may have been a function of de Soto's relentless ambition. His expeditions frequently took him away for extended periods, thereby limiting the opportunity for a more traditional family life. Ultimately, Isabel remained in Spain while her husband pursued fame and fortune overseas, reflecting de Soto's commitment to exploration over domesticity.

Net Worth and Earning: Wealth from Conquests

Hernando de Soto’s net worth, particularly after his exploits in the Americas, is a reflection of the immense wealth generated from conquests during the Age of Exploration. After playing a pivotal role in the conquest of the Incan Empire, de Soto returned to Spain in 1536 with a fortune amounting to no less than 18,000 ounces of gold. This wealth not only elevated his status among his peers but also facilitated a comfortable lifestyle in Seville, where he settled after marrying the daughter of his benefactor, Pedro Arias Dávila.

However, de Soto’s thirst for exploration and riches did not wane despite his newfound wealth. Motivated by tales of prosperous lands in North America, he invested all of his resources to finance an ambitious expedition. The efforts culminated in a multi-year journey throughout the southeastern United States, which, despite facing numerous challenges, further showcased de Soto's relentless pursuit of riches and territorial expansion. Although his expedition led to significant losses and ultimately his demise, de Soto's initial wealth and investments underscore the financial ramifications of his daring ventures in the New World.