Hernando DeSoto, a Spanish explorer, led an ambitious expedition through the southeastern United States with dreams of finding gold and claiming territory for Spain. His journey took him into the heart of Apalachee territory, where the capital, Anhaica, was known to be a prosperous center. Upon reaching Anhaica, DeSoto and his men faced little resistance as they captured this vital location for their winter quarters. It provided them not only shelter but an opportunity to rest and regroup for further explorations into the interior of North America. The decision to occupy Anhaica also indicated a shift in the approach of Spanish colonization as they interacted more directly with the Indigenous peoples.The Apalachee, an established society with an intricate political structure, were initially taken by surprise. As the Spanish established their presence, they began to engage in trade and interactions with the local populace. The winter months were spent largely in a strategy of consolidation, gathering supplies, and planning future expeditions. The presence of DeSoto's forces in Anhaica catalyzed further Spanish explorations in the region, leading to significant consequences for Indigenous communities and their autonomy. DeSoto's expedition paved the way for future Spanish ventures that would drastically reshape the cultural and social landscape of the area, often leading to conflict and resistance from the Indigenous populations they encountered.