Details for Francisco Vasquez de Coronado on the Texas Plains

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5381002048

Data

Marker Number 2048
Atlas Number 5381002048
Marker Title Francisco Vasquez de Coronado on the Texas Plains
Index Entry Coronado on the Texas Plains, Francisco Vasques De
Address SH 217 4 mi East of Canyon
City Canyon
County Randall
UTM Zone
UTM Easting
UTM Northing
Subject Codes Exploration and expeditions; sports topics
Marker Year 1973
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location Located on SH 217 4 miles east of Canyon.
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text On April 22, 1540, Francisco Vasquez De Coronado (1510-54) set out from Culiacan (in present Sinaloa, Mexico) with an expedition of 1500 men to search for seven golden cities reported far to the north. Coronado entered the present United States in Arizona and proceeded northeast to the Rio Grande pueblos in New Mexico where he spent the winter of 1540-41. On April 23, 1541, Coronado left the Rio Grande, traveling eastward to seek the Golden City of Quivira. A native guide called "El Turco" led the Conquistadores aimlessly across the arid plains in an attempt to get them lost. On May 29, 1541, with supplies depleted, Coronado entered Palo Duro Canyon, where wild fruit and water abounded. While in the canyon, Coronado discovered the guide's betrayal. On June 2, Coronado selected 30 men and started northward in quest of Quivira. The rest of the expedition, under command of Tristan De Arellano, remained in the canyon for 2 weeks before returning to the Rio Grande. According to legend, Fray Juan De Padilla conducted a feast of Thanksgiving for the group while in Palo Duro Canyon. In 1542, after failing to find the Seven Cities of Gold, Coronado returned to Mexico a broken man. (1973)