Who was the first European explorer to map the Texas coastline?

Alonso Alvarez de Pineda was the first European explorer to create a detailed map of the Texas coastline in 1519. His exploration significantly contributed to the European understanding of the region's geography at the time. Pineda's mapping efforts were crucial as they provided the first visual representation of the Gulf Coast area, which included present-day Texas. This work facilitated further exploration and settlement in the region by offering insights into the coastal features and navigable waters.

In contrast, Cristóbal Colón, while an important figure in the exploration of the Americas, did not explore the Texas coastline specifically. Hernán Cortés is known for his conquest of the Aztec Empire and did not focus on mapping Texas. Juan de Oñate was significant in the colonization of New Mexico but not directly involved in the early mapping of Texas coastlines. Understanding the context of Pineda's contributions highlights why he holds this distinction in the exploration history of Texas.