Historical Events tagged with "exploration"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Columbus Lands on Borinquen, Names it San Juan Bautista
Christopher Columbus, during his second voyage, landed on an island he named Borinquen after spotting it the previous day. He designated it as San Juan Bautista in honor of Saint John the Baptist. This landing was part of Columbus's broader mission of exploration in the New World and marked an important moment in the history of the Caribbean.
Continue ReadingChristopher Columbus Discovers Puerto Rico
Christopher Columbus first encountered the island now known as Puerto Rico during his second voyage to the Americas. Upon sighting the island, he named it 'San Juan Bautista' in honor of St. John the Baptist. This event marked a significant moment in the exploration of the Caribbean as Columbus and his crew navigated through the waters, impressed by the island's lush landscape and the native taíno people they encountered.
Continue ReadingChristopher Columbus explores the Leeward Islands
Christopher Columbus made landfall on the Leeward Islands during his second voyage to the New World. After departing from Spain, he navigated through the Caribbean, discovering several islands including Dominica and Guadeloupe. His exploration was driven by a desire for gold and new territories, as well as the hope of establishing trade routes. The arrival of Columbus marked the beginning of European exploration in this region, which would have profound effects on the indigenous populations and future colonization efforts.
Continue ReadingColumbus Discovers Dominica in the Caribbean
Christopher Columbus first spotted the island of Dominica while sailing the Caribbean Sea. Positioned between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica's lush landscape and rugged terrain caught Columbus's attention during his second voyage to the New World. He named the island 'Dominica' due to its discovery on a Sunday, which in Latin is 'Dominica'. This marked a significant moment in European exploration, further highlighting the Caribbean as a region of interest for future colonization.
Continue ReadingColumbus Sets Sail on Second Voyage
Christopher Columbus departed from Cadiz with 17 ships and 1,200 men, embarking on his second voyage to the New World. This expedition aimed to explore and establish Spanish claims on new territories discovered during his first journey. Columbus sought to return to the lands he had previously encountered, fueled by the ambition to enhance Spain's wealth and expand its influence overseas. As he departed, many were hopeful that this voyage would yield greater riches and valuable resources for Spain.
Continue ReadingPapal Bull Divides New World Between Spain and Portugal
Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter caetera to divide newly discovered lands in the Americas between Spain and Portugal. This decree was rooted in the Treaty of Tordesillas and established the Line of Demarcation, which showed the distribution of influence over the New World. The move aimed to resolve conflicts and competition between these nations following Christopher Columbus's voyages. The line was significant as it affected colonial interests and laid the groundwork for future territorial disputes that shaped the Americas.
Continue ReadingColumbus Returns to Lisbon from the New World
Explorer Christopher Columbus arrived back in Lisbon, Portugal, aboard his ship Niña after completing his historic voyage. He had journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching various islands, including those in what are now known as The Bahamas and the Caribbean. This journey marked the beginning of European exploration in the Americas. The return was celebrated and marked a significant moment in maritime history, highlighting Columbus's role in connecting the Old World to the New World.
Continue ReadingColumbus Pens Letter on New World Discoveries
While aboard the Niña, Christopher Columbus wrote a letter detailing his findings in the New World. He expressed wonder at the diverse flora and fauna and the opportunities he envisioned for Spain. This letter was distributed upon his return to Portugal and generated substantial interest in further exploration. His descriptions included encounters with Indigenous peoples and unfamiliar crops.
Continue ReadingSanta María runs aground off Haiti
On Christmas Day, the carrack Santa María, commanded by Christopher Columbus, ran aground on a reef near present-day Haiti due to insufficient watchkeeping. This unfortunate mishap happened during Columbus's first voyage to the New World, marking a critical moment in the expedition. Crew members struggled to save the vessel, but the damage proved too severe, leading to its abandonment. The incident would alter the course of Columbus's explorations and subsequent interactions with the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean.
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