The Coronado expeditions in the mid 1500's were part of a series of Spanish explorations in the southwestern United States, particularly the area that is now Arizona. Led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, the expeditions sought to find the legendary "Seven Cities of Gold," a mythical set of wealthy cities believed to be located somewhere in North America. Although Coronado never found these cities, his expedition had a profound impact on the exploration and understanding of the American Southwest.

Background and Objectives:

In the early 1500s, Spain had established a presence in the Caribbean and Mexico, and Spanish explorers were seeking to expand their empire further into North America. The legend of the Seven Cities of Gold (often associated with the Cíbola region) captivated European imagination. The cities were thought to be rich in gold and other treasures, and in the early 1540s, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, a nobleman from New Spain (Mexico), was given the task of finding them.

The Coronado Expedition:

Coronado’s expedition, which began in 1540, was one of the largest and most ambitious undertaken in the Americas at the time. He led an army of about 1,500 men, including soldiers, Native American allies, priests, and settlers, on a journey that covered vast areas of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

• Starting Point: Coronado’s expedition began in Mexico, with the initial goal of reaching the fabled "Seven Cities of Cíbola" in present-day New Mexico. After hearing of these cities from an indigenous man named Esteban, who had been part of a previous expedition, Coronado set off to find them.

• Discovery of the Grand Canyon: As part of the search for these cities, Coronado's expedition crossed the vast desert regions of Arizona. In 1540, his men were the first known Europeans to see the Grand Canyon, although they did not understand its significance at the time and continued their search for the cities further to the east.

• Arizona and the Hopi and Zuni Tribes: Coronado’s journey led him into what is now Arizona, where he encountered several Native American tribes, including the Hopi and the Zuni. The Zuni had large pueblos, which were mistaken by the Spanish for the fabled gold cities. After sieging and entering the Zuni pueblos in present-day New Mexico, Coronado’s men found no treasure.

• Failure to Find Gold: After exploring much of the southwestern United States, Coronado’s expedition failed to find the gold they sought. They ventured as far as the Kansas plains, where they encountered the Plains Indians. It was there that Coronado's expedition became increasingly disillusioned with the quest for treasure.

Impact of the Coronado Expedition:

1. Exploration: Although the Coronado expedition did not succeed in its quest for treasure, it significantly expanded the geographical knowledge of the southwestern United States. His exploration of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and beyond was the first detailed European account of these regions.

2. Cultural Encounters: The expedition had significant interactions with Native American tribes, some of which were hostile and others neutral. These encounters had lasting effects on the indigenous populations, especially as the Spanish presence began to assert influence in the region.

3. Colonial Ambitions: While the quest for gold failed, Coronado’s exploration paved the way for future Spanish settlements and missions in the Southwest, including the establishment of settlements in Arizona and New Mexico.

4. End of the Expedition: Coronado's expedition eventually returned to Mexico in 1542, defeated and without the riches they had hoped to find. Coronado himself faced accusations of mismanagement and cruelty and was later recalled to Spain, where he faced charges but was ultimately acquitted.

Legacy:

Although Coronado’s expedition did not achieve its immediate goals, it was pivotal in opening up the American Southwest to further exploration and Spanish colonization. His journey through Arizona helped shape the future of Spanish influence in the region, including the establishment of missions and the exploration of indigenous cultures. His exploration also contributed to European knowledge of the Grand Canyon, although it would take centuries before the full significance of such landmarks was realized.

In conclusion, the Coronado expeditions were a mix of ambition, discovery, and failure. They marked a significant chapter in the history of Arizona and the broader southwestern United States, laying the foundation for future European exploration and colonization in the region.