De Soto, Coronado, Cabrillo: Explorers of the Northern Mystery

Handbook 144
By David Lavender Produced by the Division of Publications National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C.
American history begins not with the English at Jamestown or the Pilgrims at Plymouth but with Spanish exploration of the border country from Florida to California in the 16th century. This handbook describes the expeditions of three intrepid explorers—De Soto, Coronado, and Cabrillo—their adventures, their encounters with native inhabitants, and the consequences, good and ill, of their journeys. This little-known story is related by David Lavender, author of many books on the American West. His work gives perspective to the several national parks that commemorate the first Spanish explorations.
National Park Handbooks, compact introductions to the natural and historical places administered by the National Park Service, are designed to promote public understanding and enjoyment of the parks. These handbooks are intended to be informative reading and useful guides. More than 100 titles are in print. They are sold at parks and by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lavender, David Sievert, 1910- De Soto, Coronado, Cabrillo: explorers of the northern mystery/by David Lavender. p. cm.—(Handbook; 144) 1. United States—Discovery and exploration—Spanish. 2. Soto, Hernando, de, ca. 1500-1542. 3. Coronado, Francisco Vásques de, 1510-1554. 4. Cabrillo, Juan Rodrígues, d. 1543. 5. Explorers—United States—History—16th century. I. Title. II. Series: Handbook (United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications); 144 E123.L24 1992 973.1—dc20 91-47633 CIP 1992
This 16th-century woodcut, the product of an artist with a fertile imagination but little information, epitomizes the contemporary view that European discoverers were bringing civilization to the grateful natives of the New World.