Arizona’s rich history is deeply intertwined with the early explorations conducted by Spanish adventurers in the 16th century. Among the most notable of these explorers was Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, whose journey through the American Southwest in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold had a lasting impact on the region. Coronado’s expedition, although ultimately unsuccessful in finding the mythical cities, played a crucial role in mapping and documenting the lands that would later become Arizona.
The Background of Spanish Exploration
The Age of Exploration
The 16th century was a period of intense exploration for European powers, particularly Spain, which sought to expand its influence and wealth by discovering new lands. The Spanish crown sponsored numerous expeditions across the Americas, driven by the allure of vast riches and the desire to spread Christianity. The tales of wealth in the New World, including the legendary Seven Cities of Gold (often referred to as Cíbola), captivated the imagination of explorers and adventurers alike.
The Myth of the Seven Cities of Gold
The myth of the Seven Cities of Gold originated from tales told by Indigenous peoples and Spanish explorers. These stories described cities filled with unimaginable wealth, lying somewhere north of New Spain (modern-day Mexico). The most famous account came from Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, who, after being shipwrecked on the Gulf Coast, heard stories from Indigenous tribes about wealthy cities far to the north. These tales reached the ears of the Spanish authorities, fueling the desire to find and conquer these mysterious cities.
Coronado’s Early Life and Motivation
Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was born into a noble family in Salamanca, Spain, around 1510. He arrived in the New World as a young man and quickly rose through the ranks of the Spanish colonial administration. By the time he was appointed as the governor of the province of New Galicia (in present-day Mexico), Coronado had earned a reputation as a capable and ambitious leader. The prospect of discovering and conquering the legendary Seven Cities of Gold presented an opportunity for immense wealth and prestige, motivating Coronado to lead an expedition into the uncharted territories of the American Southwest.
Coronado’s Expedition: A Journey into the Unknown
The Start of the Expedition
In February 1540, Coronado set out from Compostela, New Galicia, at the head of a large expedition. His forces included over 300 Spanish soldiers, several hundred Indigenous allies, servants, and slaves, along with livestock and supplies for the long journey. The expedition also included priests who were tasked with converting any Indigenous peoples they encountered to Christianity. Coronado’s goal was to find the fabled cities of Cíbola, which he believed lay to the north of New Spain.
The Encounter with Cíbola
After months of arduous travel through difficult terrain, Coronado and his men reached the Zuni Pueblo of Hawikuh in present-day New Mexico. To their disappointment, they found not the golden city they had imagined, but a modest settlement built of stone and mud. The people of Hawikuh, who were part of the Zuni tribe, resisted the Spanish intrusion, leading to a brief but fierce battle in which the Spanish forces emerged victorious.
Despite the lack of gold, Coronado established friendly relations with the Zuni people and used the village as a base for further exploration. Realizing that the Seven Cities of Gold might be nothing more than a myth, Coronado nonetheless pressed on, driven by a determination to explore and claim new territories for Spain.
Exploring Arizona: The Search for Quivira
Coronado’s expedition continued to push deeper into the American Southwest. As they traveled through present-day Arizona, they encountered several Indigenous tribes, including the Hopi, who directed them further east in search of another wealthy city called Quivira. Coronado’s route through Arizona took him across the vast and varied landscapes of the region, from arid deserts to rugged mountains.
One of the most notable stops in Arizona was the Hopi village of Oraibi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America. Here, Coronado’s men rested and resupplied before continuing their journey. The Hopi, who had little interest in the Spanish presence, offered no resistance but also no promises of wealth.
Continuing eastward, Coronado and his expedition eventually reached the Great Plains, where they encountered the nomadic tribes of the region. After months of searching, Coronado finally reached Quivira, located in present-day Kansas. To his dismay, Quivira was nothing like the golden city he had envisioned; instead, it was a small settlement of grass huts with no wealth to be found.
The Harsh Realities of the Expedition
The journey across the Southwest was grueling for Coronado and his men. They faced harsh environmental conditions, including scorching heat, lack of water, and rugged terrain. Many of the soldiers and Indigenous allies became disillusioned, and the expedition’s supplies dwindled. The lack of tangible rewards, such as gold or other riches, made it difficult for Coronado to maintain morale among his men.
The expedition also took a heavy toll on the Indigenous peoples they encountered. The Spanish forces often resorted to violence and coercion to obtain food, supplies, and information, leading to conflicts with the local tribes. These encounters had long-lasting effects on the Indigenous communities, introducing them to new diseases and contributing to the disruption of their traditional ways of life.
The Return to New Spain
After spending over two years exploring the American Southwest and finding no evidence of the Seven Cities of Gold, Coronado reluctantly decided to return to New Spain. The expedition was a financial failure, and Coronado returned empty-handed. His reputation suffered as a result, and he spent the remainder of his life in relative obscurity. However, the maps and reports generated by his expedition provided valuable information about the geography and peoples of the Southwest, paving the way for future exploration and colonization.
The Legacy of Coronado’s Expedition in Arizona
The Impact on Indigenous Tribes
Coronado’s expedition left a profound impact on the Indigenous tribes of Arizona. While the initial encounters between the Spanish and the tribes were often marked by violence and exploitation, they also led to significant cultural exchanges. The introduction of European goods, such as metal tools and livestock, changed the way of life for many tribes. However, the Spanish also brought diseases that devastated Indigenous populations, leading to long-term social and demographic changes.
The Opening of the Southwest to Spanish Influence
Although Coronado’s expedition did not uncover the wealth he sought, it did play a crucial role in opening the American Southwest to further Spanish exploration and colonization. The information gathered by Coronado and his men about the region’s geography, resources, and Indigenous peoples helped to guide subsequent expeditions and missionaries who sought to expand Spain’s influence in the New World.
The expedition also marked the beginning of Spanish cultural and religious influence in the Southwest. The priests who accompanied Coronado planted the seeds for the eventual establishment of missions and the spread of Christianity among the Indigenous tribes. These missions would later become central to Spanish colonization efforts in Arizona and the surrounding regions.
Coronado’s Route Through Arizona: A Historical Trail
Today, the path that Coronado’s expedition took through Arizona is recognized as part of the larger Coronado National Memorial. This memorial, established in 1952, commemorates the explorer’s journey and the historical significance of his expedition. Visitors can follow in Coronado’s footsteps by exploring the landscapes he traversed, learning about the Indigenous peoples he encountered, and reflecting on the legacy of this pivotal moment in Arizona’s history.
Address: Coronado National Memorial, 4101 E Montezuma Canyon Rd, Hereford, AZ 85615
Website: nps.gov/coro
Sites of Interest Along Coronado’s Route
Several locations in Arizona are closely associated with Coronado’s expedition and are of interest to history enthusiasts:
Tumacácori National Historical Park
Located in southern Arizona, this park preserves the ruins of three Spanish missions, including the Tumacácori Mission, which was established in the wake of Spanish exploration in the region. The park offers a glimpse into the early interactions between Spanish missionaries and Indigenous tribes.
Address: Tumacácori National Historical Park, 1891 I-19 Frontage Rd, Tumacacori, AZ 85640
Website: nps.gov/tuma
San Xavier del Bac Mission
Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” this mission is located near Tucson and is one of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States. Founded in 1692 by Jesuit missionaries, the mission reflects the enduring legacy of Spanish exploration and religious influence in Arizona.
Address: San Xavier del Bac Mission, 1950 W San Xavier Rd, Tucson, AZ 85746
Website: sanxaviermission.org
El Morro National Monument
While not located in Arizona, El Morro in New Mexico is closely tied to the legacy of Coronado’s expedition. The monument features inscriptions and petroglyphs left by early Spanish explorers, including members of Coronado’s party, who passed through the area in the 16th century.
Address: El Morro National Monument, NM-53, Ramah, NM 87321
Website: nps.gov/elmo
Cultural Reflections: Coronado in Arizona’s History and Mythology
Coronado in Arizona’s Historical Narrative
Francisco Vázquez de Coronado holds a significant place in Arizona’s historical narrative as one of the earliest European explorers to venture into the region. His journey, though ultimately deemed a failure in its original goal, is remembered as a courageous and ambitious endeavor that expanded European knowledge of the American Southwest.
In the centuries following Coronado’s expedition, the story of his journey became intertwined with the broader history of Spanish colonization in Arizona. The legacy of Coronado is evident in the names of various places, such as Coronado National Forest and Coronado Road, which honor his contribution to the exploration of the region.
The Mythologization of Coronado’s Expedition
Over time, Coronado’s expedition has taken on a mythic quality, with stories of his search for the Seven Cities of Gold capturing the imagination of generations. The idea of a lost city of riches hidden in the American Southwest continues to be a popular theme in literature, film, and folklore. Coronado himself has been depicted as both a heroic figure and a tragic one, embodying the hopes and failures of early European exploration in the New World.
Coronado in Modern Arizona
Today, the figure of Coronado is recognized as an integral part of Arizona’s historical and cultural heritage. Various events, reenactments, and educational programs are held to commemorate his journey and to educate the public about the impact of Spanish exploration on the state. Coronado’s legacy is also a reminder of the complex and often challenging encounters between European explorers and Indigenous peoples, a theme that continues to resonate in discussions about Arizona’s history.
Final Words
Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s journey through Arizona was a pivotal moment in the history of the American Southwest. While his quest for the Seven Cities of Gold ended in disappointment, his expedition significantly contributed to the exploration and eventual colonization of the region. The encounters between Coronado’s expedition and the Indigenous tribes of Arizona had lasting effects on the cultural landscape of the area, setting the stage for centuries of interaction between European settlers and Native American communities.
Today, the legacy of Coronado’s expedition is preserved in the landmarks, trails, and historical sites that trace his route through Arizona. These sites serve as reminders of the state’s rich and complex history, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the paths of early explorers and to reflect on the enduring impact of their journeys. Whether through visiting the Coronado National Memorial, exploring Spanish missions, or learning about the Indigenous peoples who encountered Coronado’s forces, the story of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado remains a vital part of Arizona’s heritage.
