Coronado Expedition by Frederic Remington.
Juan Jaramillo was a Spanish soldier and narrator who was with Francisco Vasquez de Coronado when he searched for the Seven Cities of Cibola and the country of Quivira (1540-42).
Some expedition historians refer to Jaramillo as “Captain,” alluding to his evident prominence and influence.
During the expedition, Jaramillo and Pedro de Castaneda documented their travels, providing details regarding rivers, mountains, natural landmarks, and natives they encountered.
Their detailed accounts describe geographic details, indicating that the terminus of Coronado’s Expedition was somewhere in central or northeastern Kansas. The first of these landmarks is the crossing of the Arkansas River, near where the Santa Fe Trail crossing was later established. Jaramillo said that when the Indian guide, Isopete, saw the Arkansas River, he recognized it as the southern boundary of Quivira. The report also states that afterward, the men traveled for three days along the north bank of the river.
Kansas marker giving a brief history of Coronado’s travels to the area in 1541, located along US Hwy 56 west of Lyons, Kansas.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of Kansas, updated June 2025.
Also See:
The Mythical Seven Cities of Cíbola
Spanish Exploration of America
See Sources.