Narváez Florida Expedition

Timeline

1. 1527–1528Sanlúcar–Cuba · CubaNarváez was appointed governor of Florida and set out from Sanlúcar with five ships and about six hundred men. About one hundred and forty men deserted at Santo Domingo, and a hurricane in Cuba destroyed two more ships. Cabeza de Vaca served as treasurer and chief constable. The remaining force of about four hundred sailed again in early 1528.
2. 1528Boca Ciega Bay · FloridaThe fleet landed in a shallow bay north of Tampa Bay and claimed Florida. Ignoring Cabeza's objections, Narváez led about three hundred men inland northward in search of gold, ordering the fleet to rendezvous along the coast. The supposed great northern harbor did not exist, and land and sea lost contact from then on.
3. 1528Apalache and the northern Gulf coast · Gulf of MexicoThe land force found no gold in the Apalache region and instead faced supply crises and attacks. Survivors built five rafts near Aute and set west on September 22 to seek aid from New Spain. The fleet scattered in storms, and Narváez's raft was blown out to sea and lost, ending the expedition as a conquest venture.