Near Route of the Coronado Expedition
Farwell, Parmer County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of the first explorations of North America by Spain, the Coronado Expedition began in Mexico in April of 1540 and crossed into Texas at or near present-day Parmer County. The party, led by Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, was sent to investigate reports of great wealth among the native peoples. In one city, Quivira, the ruler reputedly ate from gold plates. After entering Texas, Coronado and 36 men separated from the main group and journeyed north. In the summer of 1541, on the present Kansas-Nebraska line, Coronado found Quivira -- an ordinary Native American village. After the winter of 1541-1542, the group returned to Mexico. (1969)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1540 Francisco Vazquez de Coronado led one of Spain's first great expeditions into the North American interior, chasing rumors of cities rich in gold. His route carried the party across the Texas Panhandle near present-day Parmer County before he pushed north with a small band. The fabled Quivira he reached in 1541 proved to be an ordinary Native American village, and the disappointed expedition turned back toward Mexico.
Why it matters
Coronado's march was among the earliest European explorations of the American Southwest, opening a long era of contact between Spain and the Indigenous peoples of the Plains.
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Related people
- · Francisco Vazquez de Coronado
Related events
- · Coronado Expedition (1540-1542)
Themes & tags
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