Which of these explorers is associated with the exploration of the interior of the United States in the 16th century?

The correct answer is associated with Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, who was instrumental in exploring the interior of what is now the United States during the 16th century. In 1540, Coronado embarked on an expedition that took him through regions that are now part of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, among other places, in search of the famed Seven Cities of Gold. His journey marked one of the first major attempts by Europeans to explore the North American interior, contributing significantly to the mapping and understanding of the territory.

Coronado's explorations helped to establish Spanish claims in the region and provided valuable information about the geography and native cultures present at the time. This exploratory mission laid the groundwork for subsequent explorations and settlements by other Europeans in the area, making his contributions particularly noteworthy in the context of 16th-century exploration in the United States.

The other choices, while significant figures in their own right, were not primarily associated with the exploration of the interior of the United States during the 16th century in the same manner as Coronado. For example, Hernán Cortés was known for his conquest of the Aztec Empire in Mexico, while Robert de La Salle later explored areas around the Mississippi River in the