Hernando de Soto is best known for being the first European to
 A. 
cross the Mississippi River and explore large areas of modern-day United States.
 B. 
travel the length of the Mississippi River and explore large areas of modern-day Canada.
 C. 
establish Spanish colonies and explore large areas of modern-day Peru.
 D. 
claim territory for Spain and explore large areas of modern-day Mexico.