About
16th-century Spanish conquistador who was the first documented person to cross the Mississippi River while searching for gold and silver. He became the first European to make contact with Atahualpa, the Incan emperor.
Before Fame
He first sailed to America in 1514 with the governor of Panama. Growing up in an impoverished territory, to a modest family, he developed a desire to acquire riches at a young age.
Trivia
He explored North America looking for a passage to China and reserves of gold. He accompanied Francisco Pizzaro in his conquest of Peru in 1532, before embarking upon his own major expedition in 1538, setting out to conquer Florida for the Spanish.
Family Life
His parents were hidalgos, a form of non-titled nobility. He married Isabel de Bobadilla in 1537.
Associated With
He asked Charles V for control of Guatemala, but was given governorship of Cuba instead.
