Narvaez Expedition

The Narváez Expedition (1528–1536) was an early exploration attempt by Spanish conquistadors aiming to establish a colony in present-day Florida. The expedition faced harsh conditions, including storms, rough terrains, and conflicts with Indigenous peoples. After their shipwreck on the Gulf Coast, many members, including leader Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, survived by wandering across North America. Over several years, they endured extreme hardship, illness, and starvation, ultimately reaching Spanish territories in Mexico. Their remarkable survival and encounters with Indigenous cultures provided valuable information for future exploration and settlement efforts.