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Oct 9, 1002
Lief Ericson
Lief Ericson sails from Norway, discovers Greenland and Eastern Canada. -
Aug 3, 1492
Christopher Columbus sails from Spain
Christopher Columbus departs Spain seeking an easier route to India and China. -
Oct 12, 1492
Christopher Columbus lands in America
Christopher Columbus discovers land in America. He stopped at an island in the Bahamas that he named San Salvador. -
Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot lands in Canada
John Cabot lands in Canada and makes first Canadian claim for England. -
Mar 1, 1519
Hernan Cortez discovers Mexico.
Hernan Cortez discovers Mexico. The Aztecs believed he was a God returning. Later in the year Cortez conquers the Aztecs and claims Mexico for Spain. -
Oct 2, 1535
Jacques Cartier discovers St. Lawrence
Jacques Cartier discovers St. Lawrence, sails as far as present-day Montreal. Makes Canadian claims for France. -
Henry Hudson discovers New York
Henry Hudson discovers New York and sails up the river that now bears his name. He sailed as far north as present-day Albany.