In Vicinity of Coronado's Camp
Abilene, Taylor County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1541, the Spanish explorer Coronado is thought to have passed this way en route from New Mexico to the fabled Indian villages of "Quivira", though his path across vast Texas plains is now difficult to determine. Upon finding that his Indian guide, "The Turk", had taken him too far south, Coronado halted at a small canyon or barranca. Here he conferred with his captains and decided to follow the compass directly north. When they reached "Quivira" (possibly in Kansas), no gold was found - only the poor, grass huts of a Wichita village. (1968)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1541 the Spanish explorer Coronado is thought to have crossed this region while searching for the fabled riches of Quivira, though his exact route over the Texas plains is now lost. Realizing his guide, dubbed "The Turk," had led him too far south, Coronado halted at a small canyon, conferred with his captains, and turned his compass due north. When he finally reached Quivira, likely in present-day Kansas, he found no gold — only the grass huts of a Wichita village.
Why it matters
Coronado's fruitless march is a founding episode of European exploration on the southern plains, and a lasting emblem of the gap between the golden myths of the New World and its human realities.
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Related people
- · Francisco Vázquez de Coronado
- · The Turk
Related events
- · Coronado expedition
Themes & tags
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