Which expedition was led by Onate in 1601?

The correct choice is significant because it highlights the historical context of Juan de Oñate's expedition in 1601. This expedition is considered the last major Spanish venture into what is now Oklahoma during that era. Oñate's efforts were part of the broader Spanish exploration of the American Southwest, aiming to expand their territories and establish a presence in the region. The expedition contributed to the knowledge and mapping of the area, which was crucial for future Spanish missions and settlements.

Oñate's journeys were motivated by both exploration and the potential for resource exploitation, which often led to interactions with Indigenous tribes. In essence, this historical event marked a critical moment in the encounter between European explorers and Native American cultures.

Other choices center on different geographical or operational contexts not directly associated with Oñate's 1601 expedition. First exploration of California, for instance, pertains to other explorers and later time periods, while the objectives of mapping the Great Plains and establishing trade routes revolve around different aspects of exploration that were not the primary focus of Oñate's journey.