-
He was an Italian explorer, navigator and cartographer who first demonstrated that Brazil and the West Indies. Referred to as the New World, this second super continent came to be termed "America", deriving its name from Americus, the Latin version of Vespucci's first name.
-
Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, hoping to find a route to India (in order to trade). He made a total of four trips to the Caribbean and South America during the years 1492-1504.
-
Landfalled in North America on 24 June 1497. Cabot crossed the North Atlantic and reached the coast of America north of Nova Scotia.
-
Spanish explorer, ponce de Leon was a famous explorer who sailed around the southern end of Florida and back to the West Indies, which he named. He is associated with the legend of the Fountain of Youth, reputed to be in Florida.
-
Vasco de Balboa was famous as the first European to lead an expedition to reach the Pacific Ocean from the New World. He is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World.
-
Giovanni da Verrazzano was famous foe leading the first French expedition to explore the coast between the Carolinas and Newfoundland, including New York Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Explored the Atlantic coast of North America between Florida and New Brunswick, including New York Bay and Narragansett Bay in 1524.
-
Cartier sailed on April 20, 1534, with two ships and 61 men, and arrived 20 days later. He explored the west coast of Newfoundland, discovered Prince Edward Island and sailed through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, past Anticosti Island.
-
He was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Arriving on the continent, Cortés executed a successful strategy of allying with some indigenous people against others.
-
Samuel de Champlain was famous as the the Founder of Quebec City. He was known as 'The Father of Canada' and discovered Lake Champlain on the border between New York and Vermont.
-
Sir Walter Raleigh sailed to America with his half brother the English explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Sir Walter Raleigh provided backing for the Virginia colony of Roanoke Island. He is also famous for introducing tobacco and potatoes to England.
