1510?-1554

Spanish Explorer

Born around 1510 in Salamanca, Spain, Francisco Vasquez, better known as Coronado, explored large regions of the American Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. His name would forever link Mexico with the United States.

As one of the younger sons of a wealthy father, he was raised and educated in good circumstances but without hope of inheriting any portion of the family estate. The daughters received dowries to ensure suitable marriages but the younger sons were sent out to make their own ways in the world. Coronado chose Mexico; his brother, Juan, opted for Costa Rica.

Coronado received a warm welcome from Viceroy Mendoza and began his career with the government of Mexico. He was said to be attractive, popular, and competent, and within two years he married the beautiful (and extremely wealthy) Dona Beatriz, daughter of...