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Jan 1, 1492
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus is credited for sailing to the Americas for Spain -
Jan 1, 1497
Vasco de Gama
Vasco de Gama sailed for Portugal around Africa to India -
Jan 1, 1497
John Cabot
John Cabot tried to find the Northwest Passage for England -
Jan 1, 1497
Amerigo Vespucci
Italian explorer that discovered South America -
Jan 1, 1513
Juan Ponce de Leon
First European to set foot in Florida for Spain -
Jan 1, 1513
Vasco de Balboa
Spanish explorer known as the first European to lead a successful experdition to the Pacific from America -
Jan 1, 1518
Hernan Cortes
Led the conquest of Mexico for Spain -
Jan 1, 1519
Ferdinand Magellan
Portuguese explorer who led an expedition resulting in the first circumnavigation of the globe. -
Jan 1, 1520
Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon
Spanish conquistador who was the first European colonizer. -
Jan 1, 1524
Giovanni de Varrazzano
Sailed for France to the Americas and landed in North Carolina's outerbanks. -
Jan 1, 1536
Hernado de Soto
Hernando de Soto explored North America for Spain -
Jan 1, 1565
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés is remembered for founding St. Augustine, Florida in the name of Spain. -
Jan 1, 1566
Hernando Boyano
Explored the Carolinas for Spain with Juan Pardo -
Jan 1, 1577
Sir Francis Drake
English captain that lead the second circumnavigation of the Earth.
