Description The story of Spanish settlement in New Mexico begins with Francisco Vasquez de Coronado\'s expedition into the territory in 1540-1542.
Far from Mexico and the seat of Spanish government, in a land of extremes already inhabited by the F.
In 1598, Juan de Onate\'s expedition of soldiers, settlers and indigenous Mexicans arrived, charged by the Crown to colonize the northern frontier of New Spain.
The conquistadors were seeking new lands, gold, and converts to Christianity.
Description The story of Spanish settlement in New Mexico begins with Francisco Vasquez de Coronado\'s expedition into the territory in 1540-1542