Spanish Incursion into North America: Ponce de Leon

 Our visit to St. Augustine a few years back set off a study of Spanish and French activity in what’s now the U.S. before the arrival of the English under Sir Walter Raleigh. I read numerous books on the subject, and just about the time I think I have it all figured out, I learn more. 

While the Spanish invasion in the New World began with Christopher Columbus, the Spanish incursion into the N.A. began with Juan Ponce de León. As I posted a few years ago when I saw a Visit St Augustine article (screenshot below):

“And so began the exploration of and attempts to settle what is now North America. Juan Ponce de León would attempt to settle a colony along the Florida coast in 1521.According to the one source, it lasted about five months until the colonists were attacked by natives. Other sources indicate the attack was immediate. Ponce de León died in Cuba as a result of the wounds he received from an arrow.”

The next attempt at settling America occurred in 1526. It, too, was short lived and ended in disaster, as did all attempts at settlement (until Jamestown) with the exception of the second Santa Elena on what is now SC’s Parris Island.

If you were under the impression natives had had no contact with Europeans until the English arrived at Roanoke, Jamestown, or Plymouth, you’re in for a big surprise.