Christopher Columbus discovered America for Spain in 1492. By Malibusmostwants90210 Period: Dec 14, 1490 to Dec 14, 1600 Spanish Exploration Jan 1, 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered America for Spain in 1492. Jan 1, 1492 Spaniards settled in the Caribbbean. Jan 1, 1493 Columbus discovers Cuba and Jamaica on his second voyage Jan 1, 1498 Columbus makes his 3rd voyage to the "New World". He discovers Gulf of Paria, Island of Trinidad, Venezuela May 18, 1499 Alonzo de Ojeda sailed along mainland from the equator to Cape la Vela in Columbia. Which led expedition into Venezuela. Jan 1, 1508 Juan Ponce de Leon is announced governor of Hispanola and conquered Puerto Rico. Jan 1, 1513 Vasco Nunez de Balboa explored Pacific coast of Panama and discovers Pacific Ocean Jan 1, 1519 Hernando Cortes destroyed Aztec city. Feb 1, 1519 In 1519, Hernando Cortes sailed west from Cuba with an Army. Sep 20, 1520 Ferdinand Magellan sailed around the southern end of South America and crossed Strait of Magellan, named Pacific Ocean, & discovered Philippines. Jan 1, 1524 Hernando Cortes conquered Honduras. Jan 1, 1524 Pedro de Alvarado conquered Guatemala and El Salvador. Jan 1, 1525 Hernando Cortes completed conquest of Central America. Jan 1, 1526 Francisco Montejo conquered Yucatan. Jan 1, 1528 Panfilo de Narvaez conquered Cuba and explored Florida for the first time. Jan 1, 1536 Alvar Cabeza de Vaca explores Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.
