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Period: Aug 29, 1459 to Jul 6, 1521
Juan Ponce de Leon By Regis Wilson
Ponce de Leon wanted to find gold and the Fountain of youth. He was the first European to set foot in Florida. -
Apr 15, 1460
Born in a Spainish Royal Family??
Ponce de Leon came from a noble Spanish family and was well educated as befitted his status and would have been taught several languages, physics, geometry, mathematics and astronomy -
May 27, 1474
Genealogy Confusing
Early historians place his birth in 1460, more recent evidence show he was like born in 1474. His family genealogy is extremely confusing and poorly documented. -
May 27, 1480
Ponce Knighted
In the late 1480's, Ponce de León was a knight. He joined the military campaign to drive the Moors out of Spain. Ponce de León learned to read and write, ride a horse, hunt, and fight with a sword. -
May 27, 1490
Attacked Ships at Sea
Ponce travelled the seas as a Privateer, attacking ships belonging to the Moors -
Sep 25, 1493
Second Voyage with Columbus
The Second voyage of Christopher Columbus with 16 ships from Cadiz, carrying about 1500 men - including Juan Ponce de Leon -
Sep 29, 1494
Ponce did not return to Spain
Juan Ponce de Leon stays in Santo Domingo. -
Oct 26, 1508
First Settlement
Ponce de Leon founded the first settlement in Puerto Rico, Ponce de Leon colonized Puerto Rico using just a few troops and one greyhound who scared the natives. -
Mar 27, 1513
Florida coast
Juan Ponce de Leon leads an expedition to florida to claim land for Spain since he discovered this country while looking for the fountain of youth. -
May 27, 1521
Ponce Wounded
He and his party were attacked by a tribe of the Calusa. Ponce was injured by a poison arrow.