Martin Frobisher, driven by the ambition to discover a sea route to the lucrative markets of Asia, embarked on a series of voyages to the Arctic regions of the North Atlantic. In the summer of 1576, while navigating through these icy waters, he made a significant sighting that would later be a source of both intrigue and misinformation. As he sailed, Frobisher’s fleet of ships encountered what he thought was the mythical island of Frisland, which was grandly depicted on maps of the time, reputed to be a fertile land abundant with resources. However, much to his surprise, Frobisher had actually come upon the shores of Greenland.

The misidentification was not just a geographical blunder; it was emblematic of the misunderstandings and the limited knowledge of the Arctic landscape held by European explorers. Frobisher’s encounter with Greenland was pivotal in the history of exploration as it prompted further British interest in Arctic navigation and expanded the European awareness of the North Atlantic territories. Frobisher's initial belief in Frisland sparked greater exploration efforts, leading to more accurate mapping and understanding of Arctic geography. This day marked an essential turning point, showcasing Frobisher's persistent attempts to penetrate the unknown aspects of the North Atlantic, fueled by national interests in trade and exploration.

Subsequent expeditions following this sighting would serve to correct the myths surrounding Frisland and provide more detailed mapping, forming the foundation for later voyages and contributing to the eventual European claims in North America. The allure of the Northwest Passage represented the economic aspirations of the time and the quest for territorial expansion through exploration, fundamentally driving maritime endeavors into the unexplored northern waters of the Atlantic.