Cabeza De Vaca Expedition

Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca unlike most other Spanish conquistadors came to perceive Native Americans as equals. On February 15, 1527 Cabeza de Vaca was appointed to an expedition, headed for the mainland of North America. The expedition landed near what is now Tampa Bay, Florida sometime in March 1528. Devastated by misfortune the expedition dwindled rapidly. Cabeza de Vaca and three other members however survived. His endurance now tested Cabeza de Vaca lived as a trader and healer among Native Americans of the Rio Grande Basin learning from them and eventually speaking on their behalf to the Spanish crown.