Exploration
Henry the Navigator
PortugalWest Coast of Africa 1415Opened School for Exploration
Ponce de Leon
SpainFountain of Youth 1493First European in U.S. (Florida)
John Cabot
EnglishNW Passage 1497First European in Mainland U.S. Claimed Canada for UK
Amerigo Vespucci
ItalianExploration Mapping 1501First to recognize New World as a new landmass
Vasco de Balboa
SpainCross the Isthmus of Panama 1513Found Pacific Ocean from Eastern Part
Hernan Cortez
SpainRumored riches inland 1518Conquered Aztecs and became Spanish hero
Ferdinand Magellan
SpainCircumnavigate the World 1519Died in Philippines Named Pacific Ocean
Giovanni da Verrazano
FrenchSearching for NW Passage. First European in NE Mainland U.S. 1524Ate by Carib Natives
Jacques Cartier
FrenchLooking for NW Passage 1534Named and Claimed Canada for the French
Samuel De Champlain
FrenchEstablished Quebec Colony 1603Governed French Colonies…Ma pped out NE Colonies
Henry Hudson
EnglishNW Passage 1611Discovered NY Harbor. Mutiny left him stranded at sea