USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Seven Cities of Cibola | National Geographic. An 1898 painting by Frederic Remington portrays Spanish explorer Francisco Vazquez de Coronado on his ill-fated quest in 1541 to find the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola.

Detailed explanation-2: -De Coronado’s Search for the Seven Golden Cities By 1540, reports brought back from explorations made by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and confirmed by missionary Fray Marcos de Niza convinced Mendoza of the presence of vast riches to the north, located in the so-called Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola.

Detailed explanation-3: -However, his report also made mention of the “Seven Cities of Cibola.” Though Fray Marcos’ report was garbled and exaggerated, Viceroy Mendoza was convinced of the cities’ existence. He promptly began planning an official expedition and chose his close friend, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, to lead it.

Detailed explanation-4: -Francisco Vázquez de Coronado sought the fabled golden cities thought to be in the North American Southwest. His explorations did not turn up any golden cities; however, he was the first European to see the Colorado river and the Grand Canyon.