In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed on the shores of Florida, becoming the first European to set foot on the North American mainland. He was searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth, but instead found a land inhabited by Native American tribes.
Gulf Coast
In 1519, Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the Gulf Coast of the United States, from Florida to Texas. He was the first European to map this coastline, and his expedition helped to establish Spain's claim to the region.
California
In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo became the first European to explore the coast of California. He sailed from Mexico up to what is now Oregon, and claimed the land for Spain.
South Carolina
In 1521, Spanish explorer Francisco Gordillo landed on the coast of South Carolina. He was the first European to set foot in the Carolinas, and his expedition helped to establish Spain's claim to the region.
Georgia
In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed on the coast of Georgia. He led an expedition inland, exploring the southeastern United States, and ultimately discovered the Mississippi River.