Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish conquistador known for his earlier explorations of Puerto Rico, set sail from San Juan hoping to discover new territories and opportunities for colonization in the New World. With a group of around 200 prospective colonists, his expedition aimed to reach the land that would later be known as Florida, a region he had previously explored in 1513. This voyage was not merely an act of exploration; it was deeply intertwined with the quest for riches and glory that characterized European expansion during this era.

Ponce de León's motivations were fueled by legends and rumors. The age was ripe with tales of undiscovered lands filled with wealth, and among these, stories of the fabled Fountain of Youth perplexed and intrigued him. This mythical spring was believed to restore youth to those who drank from it, adding a layer of allure to his ambitions. Such narratives were pivotal in driving European exploration, as adventurers sought both tangible riches and mythical treasures.

The expedition also represented an early effort at colonization in North America. While previous explorations had laid the groundwork, establishing a permanent presence was a critical step toward expanding Spanish territorial claims. The settlers aboard Ponce de León’s ship were driven by the hope of seizing a new life in an unfamiliar land, seeking fortunes and new beginnings. As they approached Florida's coast, the interactions they were about to have with the indigenous peoples would set the stage for future relations and inevitable conflict, shaping the narrative of European colonization in the continent.