Crossing the Continent 1527-1540

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The narrative follows Esteban Dorantes, an African slave who, after being shipwrecked in Florida, embarks on an extraordinary eight-year exploration of the American South. As the first Old World pioneer to traverse regions now known as Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, he faces numerous challenges including famine, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans. His journey ultimately takes him to the Gulf of California, highlighting his role as a significant yet often overlooked figure in American exploration history.