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Jan 1, 1450
Prince Henry the Navigator
Prince Henry the Navigator establishes a Naval observatory for the teaching of navigation, astronomy, and cartography. -
Jan 1, 1488
Bartolomeu Dias
First European to sail arounfd the coast of Africa and up along the East coast. -
Jan 1, 1492
Christopher Columbus
The first European to sail west searching for a water route to Asia -
Jan 1, 1497
Vasco da Gama
First European to sail around the south of Africa and reach India -
Jan 1, 1498
John Cabot
Claimed coastal lands in present day Canada and U.S for England. -
Jan 1, 1519
Ferdinand Magellan
Led the first expedition to sail completely around the world -
Jan 1, 1522
Francisco Pizarro
Explored South America and conquered the Incas. -
Jan 1, 1539
Hernando de Soto
Explored territory in southern U.S -
Jan 1, 1540
Hernan Cortes
Conquered the rich Aztec empire in Mexico -
Henry Hudson
Explored what is now the Hudson River and the Hudson Bay
