Francisco Vasquez De Coronado

Francisco Vasquez De Coronado Born: c. 1510 Birthplace: Salamanca, Spain Died: 22-Sep-1554 Location of death: Mexico City, Mexico Cause of death: unspecified Remains: Buried, Santo Domingo Church, Mexico City, Mexico Gender: Male Religion: Roman Catholic Race or Ethnicity: Hispanic Occupation: Explorer Nationality: Spain Executive summary: Discovered the Grand Canyon

Coronado’s Childhood Coronado was born to a noble family in 1510. He was born in Salamanca, Spain. Coronado was the second son born to Juan Vasquez De Coronado and Isabel De Lujan. His father had an important job in the government and taught him all about it. There are very few facts known about Coronado’s family.

Coronado’s Sponsors Coronado’s sponsors for his voyage were his wife and the viceroy, or the governor of Mexico.

Coronado’s Reasons For Exploration Coronado’s reason for his exploration was mainly to find gold for himself because his brother had inherited most of the family’s wealth. He also wanted to seek glory though too.

Coronado’s Journey Past and Present Coronado’s route to try to find the seven cities of gold that he was told of and even though it had failed he did find the Grand Canyon.

Effects of Coronado’s Journey Coronado’s journey effected the maps because Coronado explored an entire other part of the world while he was on his wild goose chase in search of gold that he never did find.

Dates of Expeditions 1540-1542 Coronado’s expedition in search of the Seven Cities of Gold. This voyage completely failed.

Coronado’s Life 1510 Francisco Vazquez de Coronado is born in Salamanca, Spain 1535 Coronado goes to New Spain (Mexico) with Antonio de Mendoza (the Spanish Viceroy) 1537 Coronado marries the daughter of the colonial treasurer and they have eight children 1538 Coronado is made governor of Nueva Galicia 1540 Coronado begins his exploration of south-western North America in search of the Seven Cities of Gold; July - Battle against the Peublo Indians at Zuni, Coronado is wounded but establishes a base; Coronado finally reaches Cibola but it is not the city of gold described by Fray Marcos 1541 Coronado sets out for Quivira (a rich kingdom described by an Indian guide); he reaches Quivira (in what is now Kansas) only to find a poor Wichita village 1542 Coronado discovers the Grand Canyon during his voyage home 1544 Coronado dies at the age 44

Coronado Fun Facts Coronado discovered the Grand Canyon but didn’t realize it. He lead 300 Spanish and 800 Indians in search of gold that he never found. He was only married for two years. He was the governor of Province of Nueva Galicia and was City Councilman in Mexico City.