Francisco de Garay was a Spanish explorer and conquistador known for his expeditions in the early 16th century. He was born around 1480 and played a significant role in the exploration of the New World. Garay is best known for his attempts to establish settlements in Mexico and Florida, although many of his efforts were met with challenges and setbacks. In 1523, Garay was appointed as the governor of Jalisco in New Spain. He sought to expand Spanish territories and was involved in various military campaigns against indigenous peoples. Despite his ambitions, Garay's legacy is often overshadowed by other prominent figures of the time, such as Hernán Cortés.