Unit 1EXPLORERS

Literary Analysis

Exploration Narratives – firsthand accounts of the travels of explorers

Chronological Order – events described in the order that they happened

Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

Arrived in Florida as the second in command of a Spanish exploration group of soldiers.

Captain dies (illness and hostile natives kill many) Sets sail for Mexico with remaining men, but captain and others

drown

Of original 400, only 15 survive the winter.

All told, 4 survive, including Cabeza de Vaca, who gains reputation as a medicine man and trader

In 1536, he and the other 3 finally reach Mexico City

Exploration journals also recount his expeditions in South America

Garcia Lopez de Cardenas

First European to visit the Grand Canyon

Leader of Coronado’s expedition to New Mexico

Explored the Colorado River

Unable to descend to the river from the top of the canyon, he attempts to describe the sight by saying it was taller than the 300-foot Great Tower of Seville.