History of Omaha - From the Pioneer Days to the Present Time #265153

The first white man to set foot upon the territory now included within the boundaries of Nebraska was in all probability a Spanish cavalier named Coronado. His romantic and adventurous career is related in an interesting manner by Judge J. W. Savage, of Omaha, in a sketch read before the Nebraska State Historical Society April 16, 1880. It is from this chapter of history, so carefully prepared by Judge Savage, that we learn that Coronado was born in the city of Salamanca. He belonged to an eminent and wealthy Spanish family, and was given a good education. In his early manhood Coronado crossed the ocean to Mexico in quest of adventure. Early in the spring of 1540, he organized an expedition composed of 300 Spanish and 800 natives, for the purpose of exploring the vast extent of country to the north. With this expedition Coronado marched from the City of Mexico to the valley of the Platte in Nebraska, then an unknown region.