The discovery of Florida is attributed to Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer who arrived in 1513. He was searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth and claimed the land for Spain. Ponce de León named the region "La Florida" due to its lush, floral landscape and the timing of his arrival during the Easter season, known as "Pascua Florida" in Spanish. Following Ponce de León, other explorers, including Hernando de Soto, ventured into Florida in the 1530s. The area became a focal point for Spanish colonization efforts, leading to the establishment of missions and settlements, which significantly impacted the indigenous populations.