7. Hernando de Soto
In 1539, Hernando de Soto led an expedition into the southeastern United States, traversing regions that are now Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. During this journey, he became the first European to reach the Mississippi River on May 8, 1541. (history.com) De Soto’s interactions with indigenous peoples were marked by violence and coercion, including the infamous Battle of Mabila, where his forces clashed with the native population. These aggressive tactics mirrored those of Francisco Pizarro during the conquest of the Inca Empire.
