Events with tag - River Discovery

May 8, 1541

Discovery of Mississippi River

Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto became the first European to discover and document the Mississippi River, which he named 'Río del Espíritu Santo' (River of the Holy Spirit), marking a pivotal moment in North American exploration history.

May 8, 1541

Discovery of the Mississippi River

Hernando de Soto became the first European to officially document the discovery of the Mississippi River, leading to a series of explorations that established crucial trade routes and shaped North American development.

May 8, 1541

De Soto Discovers Mississippi River

Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto became the first documented European to discover the Mississippi River near present-day Memphis, Tennessee. The expedition spent 30 days crossing the mile-wide river with 400 men and 200 horses, marking a pivotal moment in North American exploration.