As Jackson Public Schools observes Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), we take a look back at one of the earliest recorded chapters in Mississippi’s history: the 16th-century expedition led by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.

Born in Spain around 1500, de Soto was a seasoned navigator and conqueror. In 1539, he led a major Spanish expedition through what is now the southeastern United States in search of trade routes and wealth.

The Journey Through Mississippi

• Inland Exploration: De Soto’s expedition entered the area that is now Mississippi in late 1540. His troops spent the winter residing in the region, encountering indigenous nations such as the Chickasaw.

• Reaching the Mississippi River: On May 8, 1541, de Soto and his men reached the banks of the vast river that would eventually lend its name to our state. De Soto became the first documented European explorer to reach and cross the Mississippi River.

• A Lasting Name: De Soto’s journey permanently altered the geography of Spanish mapmaking in North America. Today, his historical presence in the region is commemorated by the naming of DeSoto County and the city of Hernando, Mississippi.

Understanding de Soto's expedition allows our scholars to connect Mississippi history to global social studies concepts, examining how early European exploration shaped early maps, trade, and cultural encounters in North America.