Vasquez de Coronado was a Spanish explorer born in 1510 in Spain. He is best known for leading an expedition in 1540 to explore the southwestern region of what is now the United States. His journey took him through areas that are now part of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, searching for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. Coronado's expedition was significant for its detailed mapping of the region and interactions with various Native American tribes. Although he did not find the riches he sought, his travels contributed to European knowledge of the American Southwest and paved the way for future exploration.