#1
Who was the first European explorer to reach Oklahoma?
Hernando de Soto
ExplanationConstitutional duty to lead and cast tie-breaking votes in the Senate.
#2
Which Native American tribe did Hernando de Soto encounter in Oklahoma?
Caddo
ExplanationDe Soto encountered the Caddo tribe during his exploration of Oklahoma.
#3
Who led the Spanish expedition that established the first European settlement in Oklahoma?
Juan de Oñate
ExplanationOñate led the expedition that established the first European settlement in Oklahoma in 1598.
#4
Who was the first American explorer to reach present-day Oklahoma?
Zebulon Pike
ExplanationZebulon Pike was the first American explorer to reach present-day Oklahoma in 1806.
#5
What was the primary motivation for French explorers in Oklahoma during the 18th century?
Establishing fur trading posts
ExplanationFrench explorers were primarily interested in establishing fur trading posts in Oklahoma.
#6
Which French explorer explored the Oklahoma region during the 18th century?
René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
ExplanationLa Salle explored the Oklahoma region in the 17th century, not the 18th.
#7
What was the primary objective of Coronado's expedition to Oklahoma?
Searching for the Seven Cities of Gold
ExplanationCoronado's primary goal was to find the mythical Seven Cities of Gold.
#8
Which early explorer is credited with naming the Arkansas River, which flows through Oklahoma?
Étienne de Veniard, Sieur de Bourgmont
ExplanationBourgmont is credited with naming the Arkansas River during his explorations.
#9
Which early explorer's journey laid the groundwork for the later Santa Fe Trail, which passed through Oklahoma?
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado
ExplanationCoronado's expedition laid the groundwork for the Santa Fe Trail.
#10
Which Spanish explorer led an expedition into Oklahoma in the 16th century, searching for the mythical kingdom of Quivira?
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado
ExplanationCoronado led the expedition searching for Quivira in Oklahoma.