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1492
Christopher Columbus
He was an Italian explorer. He is credited with discovering America, even though Native Americans found it much earlier than that. -
1497
John Cabot
He was an Italian explorer. He claimed land for England in what would become Canada. -
1513
Juan Ponce de Leon
Led the first Spanish exploration to Florida. He was searching for the Fountain of Youth. -
1534
Jacque Cartier
A French explorer who made 3 trips to the New World searching for a back door to China. He explored the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. -
1539
Hernando De Soto
Explored south-eastern North America from Spain. He discovered the Mississippi River -
Sir Walter Raleigh
Raleigh made several trips to the New World. He claimed land near Roanoke Island, and named it Virginia. -
Henry Hudson
He explored parts of the Arctic Ocean and northeaster North America. He explored what is now known as the Hudson River. -
Lewis and Clark
Explored the Louisiana Territory.
