Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was one of the greatest sailors and explorers of all time. In 1492, Christopher discovered the New World and linked Europe and the Americas. His discoveries enlarged the world and began a new age of exploration. His vision and courage changed the history of the world.

During Christopher's life, explorers stayed close to the known lands of Europe and Africa. They did not sail into the Atlantic Ocean because it was unknown and uncharted. The ocean was thousands of miles wide, and there were no landmarks to guide ships.

People believed the Atlantic Ocean contained monsters and boiling water. No one attempted to sail across the unknown ocean. No one, except Christopher.

In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain supported Christopher's voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Christopher left from Spain with a crew of 90 men and a fleet of three ships. His three ships were called the Niсa, the Pinta, and the Santa Marнa.

On October 12, 1492, Christopher and his crew spotted land for the first time in three months. Christopher thought he had reached the Far East, but he had actually landed in the Americas. When Christopher successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, the myths about the ocean were dispelled. The Atlantic Ocean was now safe to cross.

Between 1492 and 1504, Christopher made a total of four voyages to the New World. On his First Voyage, Christopher discovered the Americas. Christopher made more discoveries on his next three voyages.

On his Second Voyage, Christopher sailed with more than 1,000 men and 17 ships. He established a Spanish colony on Hispaniola. Today, Hispaniola consists of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Christopher also discovered Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.

Christopher sailed with six ships on his Third Voyage. His brother, Diego, accompanied Christopher. Christopher discovered Trinidad (the southernmost island of the Caribbean), South America, and the mouth of the Orinoco River.

Christopher's Fourth Voyage was called the "High Voyage." He sailed with four ships and 135 men. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 21 days. This was the fastest ocean crossing. Christopher discovered the coast of Central America, including Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Martinique.

Christopher died on Wednesday, May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain. He was 54 years old. Christopher