May 08 Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi River in what will later be part of the southeastern United States

May 08 Hernando de Soto discovers Mississippi River

Feb 24 Santiago, Chile founded by Pedro de Valvidia

Apr 04 Ignatius of Loyola becomes first superior-general of the Jesuits

Apr 04 Ignatius of Loyola becomes 1st superior-General of the Jesuits

Aug 23 Jacques Cartier 1491-1557 arrives at Iroquois village of Stadacona on his third trip to Canada; starts to build Charlesbourg-Royale at western tip of Cape Diamond; first French fort in Canada; first French settlement in America.

Mar 18 Hernan de Soto observes first recorded flood in America (Mississippi River)