b) Hernando de Soto

Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, was the first recorded European to cross the Mississippi River in 1541. This expedition was significant in the European exploration of the southern United States, providing valuable information about the region’s geography and Native American cultures. De Soto’s journey, while harsh and marked by conflict, contributed to Spain’s understanding and claims in the New World, influencing subsequent colonial activities in the region.