Did Spain claim large stretches of LAN in the southern US?

Yes, Spain claimed large stretches of land in the southern United States, particularly during the colonial period. This included territories such as Florida, parts of Texas, and areas extending into what are now the southeastern states. The Spanish established missions and settlements in these regions, significantly influencing the culture and history of the area. Spain's territorial claims were eventually ceded to the United States through treaties, such as the Adams-Onís Treaty in 1819.