Events with tag - Spanish Empire

April 2, 1513

Spanish Colonization of Florida

The Spanish colonization of Florida began in 1513 with Juan Ponce de León's discovery, leading to the establishment of St. Augustine in 1565, the first permanent European settlement in North America. This historic endeavor shaped Florida's cultural landscape through missions, fortifications, and lasting Spanish influence.

April 2, 1513

Discovery of Florida

Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León discovered Florida on April 2, 1513, marking the first documented European contact with the region. He named it 'La Florida' due to its flowering vegetation and the Easter season.

May 8, 1541

Discovery of Mississippi River

Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto became the first European to discover and document the Mississippi River, which he named 'Río del Espíritu Santo' (River of the Holy Spirit), marking a pivotal moment in North American exploration history.

May 8, 1541

De Soto Discovers Mississippi River

Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto became the first documented European to discover the Mississippi River near present-day Memphis, Tennessee. The expedition spent 30 days crossing the mile-wide river with 400 men and 200 horses, marking a pivotal moment in North American exploration.

September 8, 1565

Founding of St. Augustine

Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established St. Augustine, Florida, marking the first permanent European settlement in what would become the United States. The settlement was founded on September 8, 1565, predating Jamestown by 42 years.

September 20, 1565

Battle of Fort Caroline

Spanish forces led by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés attacked and conquered French Fort Caroline, killing or capturing most of its inhabitants and establishing Spanish dominance in Florida for the next two centuries.

February 10, 1763

Treaty of Paris: Florida Transfer

The Treaty of Paris of 1763 marked a pivotal moment in colonial history when Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain in exchange for Havana and Manila, reshaping the political landscape of North America.

October 12, 1968

Equatorial Guinea Independence Day

Equatorial Guinea achieves independence from Spanish colonial rule, becoming Africa's only Spanish-speaking nation and marking the end of Spain's colonial presence in Africa.