Age of Exploration timeline.

Dec 1, 1488

Bartolomeu Dias

First European to sail around the south coast of Africa and up along the east coast
Period: Aug 1, 1492 to Oct 30, 1502

Christopher Columbus

First European to sail west searching for a water route to Asia
Period: Jan 1, 1497 to Sep 30, 1499

Vasco da Gama

First European to sail around the south of Africa and reach India
Period: May 10, 1497 to Jun 10, 1503

Amerigo Vespucci

Explored up and down the coast of South America and named "America" after him
Period: Mar 27, 1513 to Nov 30, 1521

Juan Ponce de Leon

First European to set foot in Florida, discovered the Gulf Stream, and for searching the "fountain of youth."
Nov 30, 1513

Nunez de Balboa

Crosses Panama canal and reaches Pacific Ocean
Mar 1, 1519

Hernan Cortes

Conquered the rich Aztec empire in Mexico
Period: Mar 22, 1519 to Sep 6, 1522

Ferdinand Magellan

Led the first expedition to sail completely around the world
Period: Sep 28, 1522 to Nov 30, 1541

Francisco Pizzaro

Explored South America and conquered Inca's capital
Period: Apr 1, 1534 to May 30, 1541

Jacques Cartier

Explored the St. Lawrence River
Period: May 30, 1539 to May 21, 1542

Hernando de Soto

Explored territory in what is now the southern U.S.
Mar 1, 1540

Francisco Coronado

Explored territory in what is now the southwest U.S.
Period: Nov 30, 1603 to Nov 30, 1608

Samuel de Champlain

Known as "The Father of Canada" and is the founder of Quebec City
Period: May 1, 1607 to Jun 22, 1610

Henry Hudson

Explored the Hudson River and Hudson Bay
Nov 30, 1673

Jacques Marquette & Louis Joliet

Both explored the Mississippi River