User:Stephenjohnston

'== Esteban de Dorantes' New Mexico history is marked by the bravery and the exploration of many. Much has been recorded in the exploration of this storied land. We can return to study the actions of Coronado and Onate, just to name a couple. The story of New Mexico’s foundation can also be defined by the stories that illuminated it. History texts have taught us that Spanish occupation of New Mexico was extremely vital to its development. The promises of wealth and prosperity illuminated the dreams of Spaniards. This would be proven when discussing the Narvaez expedition. This unprecedented journey took the lives of many native New Mexicans as well as many Spaniards. This journey would be accompanied by the Moorish slave, Esteban De Dorantes. In the following article, I will discuss the life and impact of this influential slave. Esteban is said to be born in Azemmour, Morocco around the year 1503. Authors Villanueva and Chris Fumagalli include in their article that during Esteban’s early years, his hometown was ransacked and presumably was sold into slavery by the King of Portugal around 1513. Richard Flint wrote in his article about Esteban’s capture when he writes “Some historians have suggested that Esteban was born in the early 1510s and that he sold himself into slavery or indentureship to alleviate his own or his family's dire financial circumstances (Flint, n.d). It must be noted that early on Esteban must have trusted by those who were on the campaign. He belonged to the Andreas de Dorantes of Bejar del Castanar of old Castile. He would later join the expedition crew of Panfilo de Narvaez that would leave the southern coast of Spain. This expedition was set forth by the King to “conquer and govern lands and peoples along the Gulf of Mexico from the Florida Peninsula to the modern state of Tamaulipas in Mexico (Flint & Flint, n.d). It was the aim of the Spanish empire to extend their reign in the colonies and other yet to be occupied. The Narvaez expedition would be proven to be a complete and utter failure. Esteban would be one of only four survivors of the campaign. Along this track, Esteban became an elite asset to the survivors. Especially do Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, who was originally the royal treasurer for the campaign. The plan for the survivors was to reach the coast and from there sail out of present day Galveston Bay. Fifteen survivors would be capture by the coastal Indians. The four to escape their captors was Cabeza de Vaca, two other Spainards, and the Moorish slave Esteban or Estevan. On their track west, in order to survive the four acted as healers. The four survivors would be told tales and fables of such wealth and glory that they could not help but dream of claiming it for the throne. These men would return to Mexico City and interest the likes of High Spanish Official such as Antonio de Mendoza. Esteban would be asked to accompany the new campaign in hope of finding the seven cities of gold. Roberts & Roberts would convey this idea of such exploration when they write “On the American side of the Atlantic was an Aztec legend which claimed that the Aztec people had come from a land of gold and silver that lay forty day journey to the north. To discover the truth of these stories, Spaniards would have to undertake northern expeditions (Robert & Roberts, 26). The campaign taken on by Mendoza would be the last days of Esteban de Dorantes. Although Historians debate on the death of Esteban, a popular idea is that during their journey Esteban road forward through the Zuni villages of Arizona, days ahead of the others(as he has done quite often) he met with the Hawikuh people and was killed not long after. Some believe that he may have demanded jewelry or displayed healing powers which reminded them of their enemy the Apaches. Roberts & Roberts write of another example of the possible reasoning for the murder of Esteban when they write “still others suggest that Estevan, who was black and wore feathers and rattles, may have looked like a wizard to the Zuni” (Roberts & Roberts, 27). In any light, he left such an impression on the Zuni’s that they would retell of legend of the death of “one of the Black Mexicans.” Esteban will be remembered for his contributions of language and “mystical abilities.” He was the first black to explore North America and will always be remembered for his stories of the Seven Cities of Gold.

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