Chapter 2: First White Settlers

Francisco Coronado is thought to be the 1 st European explorer into OK in 1540 Some believed Vikings were the first, almost 500 years before. They found runes carved into stone near Heavener, OK Spaniards were confident that Coronado would find the “Seven Cities of Cibola”; never found this city of gold.

Spaniards Known as “Conquistadors” –All strangers were enemies –Thought they were invincible –Greedy for gold Advantages over Indians Guns, horses, wagons Most important contribution was the horse; this changed the life of western Indians

Spaniards con’t Friar Juan de Padilla- went to establish a mission among the Tattooed people Hernando de Soto- his expedition started in Florida Don Juan de Onate- Formed the last major expedition into OK.

Other Explorers French- were more focused on trading, land, and furs. Not as hostile as the Spaniards LaSalle and LaHarpe were part of French expeditions.

Cultural Exchanges Interactions between explorers and Indians had some positives: –Explorers taught metalcraft, heating metal into shapes (blacksmith) –Traded items like guns, horses, etc –Indians learned about the wheel –Many diseases were transferred between the two groups. Indians suffered more.