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May 26, 1474
A new sailor
Juan Ponce de Leon was born in the town Santervás de Campos, Spain. -
May 26, 1490
Ponce de Leon in war
Ponce de Leon enterd war whebn he was six-teen as a soldier for spain after serving as a page for a spanish knight.He also traveled the seas as a privateer , ataking that belong to the enemys. -
May 26, 1493
Ponce de Leon sails with Cristopher Columbus
Ponce de Leon sailed with Christopher Columbus on his 2nd exploration for the new world, along with some 1200 sailors, colonists, and soldiers. In september he left Spain on one of Columbus' ships. -
May 26, 1494
Yes sir!
Ponce de León was given the task of crushing the native Taínos, who were considered to be enimies in Hispaniola. He was appointed by governor Nicolás de Ovando, to bring order to a colony which was in disarray. Later, Ponce de León was made the frontier governor of the new province Higüey, by Ovando. In addition to the post, Ovando also awarded him a substantial land grant along with sufficient Indian labor, to farm his new estate. -
May 26, 1505
You may kiss the bride
Ponce de Leon established a town and named it Salvaleón. In the same year he married Leonora -
Jul 12, 1508
Digging for gold
On account of his earlier exploration and stories heard from the native Tainos, Ponce de León was sure of the presence of gold on the Boriquen island. In 1508, he got permission for the first official expedition to the island, from Ferdinand II of Aragon. He left Hispaniola on June 12, 1508, along with a small group and eventually anchored in San Juan Bay. He created the first settlement in Puerto Rico by the name of Caparra and went on to explore the island for gold -
May 26, 1509
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.
Ponce de León returned to Hispaniola in 1509 bringing back a good quantity of gold with him. He was given the job as governor of San Juan Bautista and was told to extend the settlement on the island. Later the same year, Juan Ceron was given the job as the chief justice and Miguel Diaz as the chief constable of the island. These appointments were made by Diego Colón, and were meant to override the authority of the governor. -
May 26, 1512
Ponce's contract
Ponce de León was given a contract which outlined his rights and authorities to search on Islands. -
Mar 4, 1513
Look! Florida
Ponce de León set out from San German with three ships, at his own expense, on March 4, 1513. After traveling a few days, they found land, which Ponce de León believed was another island. He named it as La Florida because of the flowers on its landscape. He went on searching for islands in the west and reached the Dry Tortugas on June 21. There the crew members captured giant sea turtles, Caribbean Monk Seals and seabirds. Ponce de León reached florida while searching for the fountain of youth. -
May 26, 1514
One second wish
Ponce de León secured a second wish, which gave him the power to make settlements on Islands of Bimini and Florida. He was also knighted and given a personal coat of arms, which made him the first conquistador to receive these great honors. -
May 26, 1521
Good bye good sailor
Ponce de León set out with two ships which consisted of 200 men, including priests, farmers and artis, in order to colonise Florida. He landed on the west coast of Florida along with his ships, but was met by Native American warriors. He suffered very serious injuries in the fight and died in Cuba, in July, 1521