In 1541, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto embarked on an expedition that made him the first European to cross the Mississippi River. This monumental crossing opened up new territories for exploration and conquest, significantly impacting the Spanish colonization efforts in North America. De Soto's journey also contributed to the European understanding of the vast and diverse landscapes of the continent.

Hernando de Soto's exploration contributed to the mythos of adventure in American literature, inspiring poets like Walt Whitman to celebrate the spirit of discovery. The narratives of encounter and colonization became central themes in the evolving American poetic tradition.