NAVIGATORS

Christopher Columbus (1451-1506)

Navigator and explorer, Christopher Columbus set sail to find a shorter route to the Indies (China, India, and Japan) and to spread Christianity, instead he landed on the islands of another continent, opening new trade routes and opportunities for immigration for centuries to come. Columbus was born in Genoa (region of Liguria); although some may disagree, no proof has been substantiated. Most sources cite that his family was of modest means, and his father was a weaver. Columbus turned toward the sea for his career, making voyages as far south as Guinea, on the West African coast, and as far north as Iceland. He studied maps and charts, spoke and wrote several languages, read classical literature and other works, including The Travels of Marco Polo – which many say was a great source of inspiration – and he was knowledgeable of the trade industry.

 With his plan to sail west to find the Indies, sometime in the early 1480s, Columbus first approached the King of Portugal; but Portugal was interested in sailing south along the coast of Africa. Soon after, Columbus went to Spain, and approached King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella with his plan. At the time, Spain was involved with expelling the Moors, and needed all its resources. In 1491, Columbus’s second request for funding was approved, and in August 1492, three ships – with Columbus as Captain General – started their first voyage on an uncharted sea. Columbus made three other voyages, bringing colonists, supplies, and continuing with his explorations. In 1504, Columbus returned to Spain from his fourth voyage to the New World. He died two years later.

Columbus Day is celebrated on October 12.

 LINKS:

Columbus’s History, Navigation, and Landfall

Honoring Christopher Columbus

Written by Janice Mancuso

Navigators

HOME