In 1539, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto embarked on an expedition that took him through present-day Florida, Georgia, and along the Mississippi River. This exploration was significant as it marked one of the earliest European incursions into the southeastern United States, leading to encounters with various Native American tribes. De Soto's journey contributed to European knowledge of the region's geography and resources, although it also resulted in conflict and devastation for indigenous populations.

Hernando de Soto's explorations documented encounters with Indigenous societies, which inspired epic poetry reflecting themes of conquest and the unknown. Poets like Walt Whitman later drew on these narratives to explore American identity and the complexities of cultural encounters.