It seems like the Spanish conquistadors were often far too foolhardy and credulous when it came to promises of gold. While this pushed them to explore a great deal, in the case of Hernando de Soto it seems like he took it way too far.
What if Hernando de Soto chose to end his expedition in South Carolina? Or perhaps more likely, what if he died there leading to the expedition to settle down. At this point in the expedition, they still have 550 spanish soldiers, a large army of Indian slaves. The Spaniards appear to have had good relations with the Cofitachequi and the Ocute indians, despite the fact that the natives were suffering from the plague. The land was very good for grain, cattle, and had access to pearls from the coast.
What if Hernando de Soto chose to end his expedition in South Carolina? Or perhaps more likely, what if he died there leading to the expedition to settle down. At this point in the expedition, they still have 550 spanish soldiers, a large army of Indian slaves. The Spaniards appear to have had good relations with the Cofitachequi and the Ocute indians, despite the fact that the natives were suffering from the plague. The land was very good for grain, cattle, and had access to pearls from the coast.