Francisco Vasqnez De Coronado, an explorer of New Mexico and the countries on the river Gila. On the arrival in Culiacan of Cabeca de Vaca from his journey from Florida in 1536, when he brought news of the existence of half-civilized tribes far to the north, living in populous cities, acquainted with the arts, and possessing quantities of gold, silver, and precious stones, an expedition was sent out under Marco de Niza, in 1539, to explore the regions referred to. Upon its return a second expedition was fitted out under Coronado, which departed from Culiacan, on the Pacific coast, in April, 1540. He passed up the entire length of what is now the state of Sonora to the river Gila. Crossing this, he penetrated the country beyond to the Little Colorado (called by him Rio del Lino), and paid a visit to the famed cities of Cibola mentioned by Cabeca de Vaca and De Niza. In the kingdom were seven cities, but he declares that there was no truth in the reports of his predecessor regarding their wealth. The country, he says, was too cold for cotton, yet the people all wore mantles of it, and cotton yarn was found in their houses. He also found among this people maize, Guinea cocks, peas, dressed skins, etc.

From Cibola Coronado travelled eastward, visiting several towns, similar to the existing villages of the Pueblo Indians. He proceeded eastward to the Rio Grande, and from there 300 leagues to the city of Quivira, the ruins of which are well known, being near lat. 34° N., in a direction N. E. of El Paso, about 170 m. distant. There he found a temperate climate, with very good waters and an abundance of fruit. There was no cotton seen or garments of it used, the people clothing themselves in skins. On his way back in March, 1542, Coronado fell from his horse at Tiguex, near the Rio Grande, and is said to have become insane. The viceroy Mendoza was much annoyed a,t the return of the expedition, which was fitted out at great expense. He wished a colony to be founded in the distant regions visited, but the commander of the expedition did not deem it proper to leave any of his party in so poor a country, and at so great a distance from succor.