Hernando  

De     Soto

Biography

Hernando De Soto was born on 1496/1497 and died on 1542. He was born in Badajoz, Spain. Hernando sailed the Central American coastline because he wanted gold and fortune. Hernando explored Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana. Hernando discovered the Mississippi River in 1541. A year later he died. People still remember Hernando De Soto today. Florida still celebrates his genius route today. They think he is a great explorer. There are other people who also think he is great and have festivals and parades for him. I think Hernando De Soto is a great explorer too and hope more people can learn about him.They even had a commemorative bridge named after him.

Hernando De Soto!

Map 

Hernando's Exploration!

-Hernando's exploration went from 1539-1543 from start to finish.

-Hernando started his exploration in Florida and ended in Louisiana.

-Hernando encountered many Indians and other explorers in his travel. 

Reflection

Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries were similar and different compared to now(2009). One difference is that now there is a lot more technology to travel. We have cars, trucks, ships, planes, and rocketships. Explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries traveled by foot. A similarity that they both have is just curiosity. This is when people just want to explore. They just want to find out what is out there but for no real and exact reason. As you can see, exploration now and in the 15th and 16th centuries had some differences and some similarities. 

A sign telling people about Hernando De Soto's commemorative bridge and what he did.

Summary

I believe that Hernando De Soto belongs in the Hall of Fame and the Hall of Shame.  I think this because he discovered the Mississippi River and didn't name it after himself like most explorers do. Most explorers name it after themselves but Hernando was unselfish and didn't name it after himself. That's why he should be in the Hall of Fame. Hernando De Soto should also be in the Hall of Shame though. I think this too because he took all the credit of finding the Mississippi by himself. People knew that he and his crew found the Mississippi but Hernando De Soto named it and got all the money for it.

Hernando De Soto statue!

Bibliography

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/griffin_why_explore.html, Why we Explore?

by: Steven J. Dick, NASA Chief Historian -- 10/2/09

 http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE53&NewItemID=True

Waldman, Carl, and Alan Wexler. "Soto, Hernando de." Encyclopedia of Exploration: The Explorers, volume 1. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2004. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?

ItemID=WE53&iPin=EEXI829&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 13, 2009). --10/5/09

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