In the spring of 1539, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto embarked on a significant expedition, landing at Tampa Bay with a contingent of approximately 600 soldiers. Sponsored by the Spanish crown, de Soto sought to explore new territories in search of gold and other riches, echoing the conquests of earlier explorers. The landing at Tampa Bay marked the starting point for what would become an extensive journey throughout the southeastern region of North America, including present-day Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Alabama. De Soto's ambitions were fueled by tales of rich civilizations and gold, specifically the legendary kingdoms of wealth in the interior of the continent.

As de Soto and his men disembarked, they encountered various Native American tribes, encountering both conflict and alliances. The expedition was characterized by harsh conditions, including battles and scarcity of resources as they traveled deeper into indigenous territories. De Soto's approach often led to violent encounters with local tribes, as he imposed his authority and sought to extract wealth from the land. The quest for gold dictated their path, leading them through numerous landscapes, including swamps and forests, and bringing them into contact with diverse Native American cultures, most of which had never seen Europeans before.

Despite their initial hopes, de Soto's expedition ultimately struggled to find the expected gold and wealth, resulting in a long, arduous journey filled with hardship and challenges. As they forged ahead, they left a significant mark on the history of European colonization in North America. De Soto's expedition, although not successful in its primary goals, played a crucial role in the subsequent European understanding and mapping of the southeastern United States and set the groundwork for future Spanish exploration and territorial claims in the region.