We The People: This Day in History, November 6
Spanish Landfall in Texas and Cabeza de Vaca’s Perilous Journey
Published: Nov. 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM CST
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On November 6, 1528, the Spanish made landfall in Texas.
Spanish conquistador Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to set foot on the soil of the future Lone Star State.
The journey there was unintentional and a disaster from the start.
His expedition’s 300 men were plagued by a series of accidents and Native American attacks while exploring Florida.
With only 80 to 90 men left in his exploration party, they made boats and later wrecked on what was likely Galveston Island.
They inhabited Texas for a few years before most of them died, and the survivors moved on.
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