One of Spain's first explorations of North America began in Mexico in April 1540 and crossed into Texas at or near present-day Parmer County. Led by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, the expedition was sent to investigate reports of great wealth among native peoples, including Quivira, where the ruler was said to eat from gold plates. After entering Texas, Coronado and 36 men separated from the main group and traveled north. In August 1541, on the present Kansas-Nebraska line, Coronado found Quivira to be an ordinary Native American village. After the winter of 1541-42, the group returned to Mexico.