Hernando de Soto
Used the encomienda system to convert natives, first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River
Rene-Robert Cavalier
Established a colony & port at the mouth of the Mississippi River
Ponce de Leon
In search of "glory" on his conquest of the New World; Created the first permanent European settlement in St. Augustine
Jacques Cartier
Discovered a passage way from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean
Samuel de Champlain
Famous cartographer for the French in the New World
Hernan Cortes
Came to the new world as a conquistador in hopes of "GOLD