Explorers of the Southeastern United States

What place did Coronado reach that he thought must be the city of Cíbola?

• A Wichita town of stick houses

• The Grand Canyon

• A Zuni settlement of mud and stone

• Quivira

Answer explanation

Coronado believed he had found the legendary city of Cíbola when he reached a Zuni settlement of mud and stone, which matched descriptions of the fabled city he sought, unlike the other options.

What did Coronado report to the Spanish king about his expedition?

• He wrote that the Zuni Pueblo settlers welcomed him warmly.

• He wrote that seeing the Grand Canyon and the Palo Duro Canyon were the highlights of his trip.

• He wrote that Spain should keep searching for gold throughout its empire.

• He wrote that he had found a lot of good soil for farming, but no gold.

Answer explanation

Coronado reported finding good soil for farming but no gold, indicating the expedition did not yield the riches he had hoped for. This highlights the challenges faced in the search for wealth in the New World.

Why did Luis de Moscoso lead his expedition into what is now Texas?

• To return to New Spain overland

• To find the Mississippi River

• To explore the southeast

• To fight the Zuni

Answer explanation

Luis de Moscoso led his expedition into Texas primarily to return to New Spain overland after the failure of previous expeditions. This choice was driven by the need to find a route back home.

What is the best description for how El Paso was named?

• The name describes its geographic location between two mountain ranges along the Rio Grande.

• The name describes the route the Spanish took to find Cíbola.

• The name describes the route of Coronado's expedition to Quivira.

• The town was named for the viceroy of New Spain.

Answer explanation

El Paso, meaning 'the pass' in Spanish, refers to its location between the Franklin and Sierra de Juárez mountains along the Rio Grande, highlighting its geographic significance.

What was the purpose of Juan de Oñate's exploration?

• To found settlements on the Rio Grande

• To found Nacogdoches

• To find a water route to Mexico

• To discover gold

Answer explanation

Juan de Oñate's exploration aimed to establish settlements along the Rio Grande, which was crucial for Spanish colonization efforts in the region. This choice directly aligns with his mission to expand Spanish influence.

La Salle led the first Europeans to reach the delta of the Mississippi River.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

La Salle was the first European to explore the Mississippi River and its delta, claiming the region for France in the late 17th century. Therefore, the statement is true.

La Salle hoped to set up a French colony at the mouth of the Mississippi River as a base against New Spain.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

La Salle aimed to establish a French colony at the Mississippi River's mouth to counter Spanish influence in New Spain, making the statement true.

What was the effect of the establishment of Fort St. Louis on Spain?

• A. Spain joined forces with France.

• B. Spain abandoned eastern Texas.

• C. Spain's interest in East Texas grew.

• D. New Spain fell to the French.

Answer explanation

The establishment of Fort St. Louis heightened Spain's concerns about French presence in the region, leading to increased interest and efforts to secure East Texas, making option C the correct choice.

Which of the following events occurred last?

• A. La Salle sails to begin a colony.

• B. La Salle sets out on foot for supplies.

• C. Colonists return to France on Le Joly.

• D. The French build Fort St. Louis.

Answer explanation

La Salle set out on foot for supplies after establishing Fort St. Louis and before the colonists returned to France. Therefore, this event occurred last among the options provided.

What was the effect of the establishment of Fort St. Louis on France?

• A. France lost its claims to the entire Mississippi River Valley.

• B. France established long-lasting trade with Native Americans in the area.

• C. France soon established many settlements across Texas.

• D. France conquered the entire coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

Answer explanation

The establishment of Fort St. Louis allowed France to engage in long-lasting trade relationships with Native Americans, enhancing their economic presence in the region, making option B the correct choice.