'''Alonso Alvarez de Pineda''' (1494 - 1519) was a
Spanish explorer and
cartographer.
Pineda sailed in 1519 for the Spanish Governor of
Jamaica, Francisco de Garay, who sent him to explore and chart the Gulf Coast (today southern
United States) from
Florida to
Mexico. Francisco de Garay provided ships and money for the expeditions.
Pineda followed the coast today western Florida to
Veracruz. During 9-month expeditions he mapped about 800 miles of shoreline. Pineda was probably the first European explorer in
Texas. He also claimed regions of Texas for Spain and entered in Corpus Christi Bay. Pineda arrived in Veracruz in August 1519 and had to escape from
Hernán Cortés, who had attempted to capture him. He sailed north, probably to the river
Rio Grande.
Pineda probably died of wounds received in fights with
Indians. His return to Jamaica history has never been confirmed. Pineda's report about voyage and map were forwarded to governor of Jamaica.
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pl:Alonso Alvarez de Pineda