chapter 2: first white settlers

Chapter 2:Chapter 2:First White SettlersFirst White Settlers

• Francisco Coronado is thought to be the 1st European explorer into OK in 1540

• Some believed Vikings were the first, almost 500 years before. They found runes carved into stone near Heavener, OK

• Spaniards were confident that Coronado would find the “Seven Cities of Cibola”; never found this city of gold.

Spaniards Spaniards

• Known as “Conquistadors”– All strangers were enemies– Thought they were invincible– Greedy for gold

• Advantages over Indians• Guns, horses, wagons• Most important contribution was the horse; this

changed the life of western Indians

Spaniards con’tSpaniards con’t

• Friar Juan de Padilla- went to establish a mission among the Tattooed people

• Hernando de Soto- his expedition started in Florida

• Don Juan de Onate- Formed the last major expedition into OK.

Other ExplorersOther Explorers

• French- were more focused on trading, land, and furs. Not as hostile as the Spaniards

• LaSalle and LaHarpe were part of French expeditions.

Cultural ExchangesCultural Exchanges

• Interactions between explorers and Indians had some positives:– Explorers taught metalcraft, heating metal into

shapes (blacksmith)– Traded items like guns, horses, etc– Indians learned about the wheel– Many diseases were transferred between the

two groups. Indians suffered more.