Christopher Columbus, financed by the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, set sail in 1492 on a quest to find a new route to Asia by traveling westward. His expedition included three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. After months of navigating the Atlantic, Columbus and his crew finally sighted land on October 12, 1492. They anchored near San Salvador Island, part of present-day Bahamas, claiming the territory for Spain. Columbus believed he had reached the outskirts of Asia, hence naming the indigenous inhabitants ‘Indians’. The landing itself was brief but significant; Columbus and his men made contact with the local Taíno people, establishing initial relations which would later evolve into complex dynamics of trade and conflict.

Following their arrival, Columbus and his crew explored the island, documenting their findings and interactions with the native population. They noted the natural beauty of the location, including lush landscapes and the favorable climate. The expedition set off on a path of exploration, leading to the discovery of new territories and resources. Columbus's reports of his findings, laden with descriptions of gold, spices, and potential for wealth, would soon attract attention from European powers, sparking further expeditions into the New World by Spain and other nations.