Who was the first explorer in the southeast states?

The first European explorer to venture into the southeastern United States was Hernando de Soto, a Spanish conquistador. He arrived in the region in 1539 and is known for his extensive exploration of the southeastern territories, including parts of present-day Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, and Mississippi. De Soto's expedition marked one of the earliest European encounters with Native American tribes in the area.