Life During the Early Spanish Settlements — Reading Comprehension

The first Spanish settlers arrived in what is now the United States in the early 1500s. They came by ship, landing on the eastern coast of Florida. Their goal was to find gold, claim new land, and spread their religion. The Spanish king sent explorers like Juan Ponce de León to search for riches and new places to live.

In 1565, the Spanish built St. Augustine in Florida. St. Augustine became the first permanent European town in the United States. The settlers worked hard to build homes, churches, and walls to protect themselves. Life was not easy. The settlers faced hot weather, insects, and sickness. They also had to find food and clean water.

Many Spanish settlers lived in missions. A mission was a place where priests taught the Catholic faith and helped local Native Americans learn new skills. The missions had gardens, workshops, and small farms. Settlers and Native Americans worked together to grow food like corn, beans, and squash. They raised animals such as pigs and chickens.

Sometimes, there were problems between Spanish settlers and Native American tribes. The Spanish wanted the land and to change the way Native Americans lived. Some Native Americans fought back to protect their homes. But there were also times when they traded goods and shared ideas.

Spanish settlers brought new things to America, such as horses, cattle, and new plants. Horses helped Native Americans travel faster and hunt better. The Spanish also brought their language, food, and ways of building homes. Some of these things are still part of life in places like Florida, Texas, and California today.

A Spanish priest wrote, "We teach them to plant, to build, and to pray." This shows how important teaching and helping others was in the missions.

The Spanish settlements changed the land and the people who lived there. They built cities, roads, and farms. The mix of Spanish and Native American cultures made new traditions that are still seen in the United States.

Interesting Fact: St. Augustine, Florida, has been lived in since 1565. It is the oldest city in the United States that is still lived in by people today.

Who built St. Augustine?

When was St. Augustine built?

What did settlers bring to America?

Why did the Spanish come to America?

How did missions help Native Americans?

What happened when cultures mixed?

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. (True/False)

What does 'missions' mean in the passage?