Early Explorer's

  • Leif Erikson: sponsored by the country of Scandinavia
    1000

    Leif Erikson: sponsored by the country of Scandinavia

    Was the first European to land the coast of North America. Specifically in what is now present day Canada.
  • Bartolomeu Diaz : sailed for the country of Portugal
    1488

    Bartolomeu Diaz : sailed for the country of Portugal

    Sailed Southward down the coast of Africa making it to the southern tip of Africa. He called this southern tip the " Cape of Good Hope".
  • Vasco De Gama: sponsored by the country of Portugal
    1497

    Vasco De Gama: sponsored by the country of Portugal

    in 1497, sailed all around Africa and all the way to India. Winning the European race for a sea route to Asia
  • John Cabot
    1497

    John Cabot

    He was an Italian explorer and navigator who may have developed the idea of sailing westward to reach the riches of Asia while working for a Venetian merchant.
  • Amerigo Vespucci: led a voyage funded by Spain
    1499

    Amerigo Vespucci: led a voyage funded by Spain

    An Italian explorer who explored the coast of South America. Later then he realized South America was a separate continent, not part of Asia.
  • Giovanni de Varrazano
    1506

    Giovanni de Varrazano

    he went to explore the east coast of north america for a route to the pacific. He made landfall near what would be cape fear, north Carolina, in early march and headed north to explore.
  • Vasco Nunez de Balboa: sponsored by the country of Spain
    1513

    Vasco Nunez de Balboa: sponsored by the country of Spain

    He is know for sailing to the country of panama and discover the pacific ocean
  • Juan Ponce de Leon
    1513

    Juan Ponce de Leon

    Explored present day Florida, looking for the "Fountain of Youth" he was told if you drink it, it makes you young.
  • Hernan Cortes: a conquistador who explored Mexico
    1519

    Hernan Cortes: a conquistador who explored Mexico

    Landed on the east coast of present day Mexico. Within two years, Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire that had ruled the region.
  • Ferdinand Magellan: Portuguese explorer who was ailing for Spain.
    1520

    Ferdinand Magellan: Portuguese explorer who was ailing for Spain.

    He reached the southern most tip of south america. He sailed though many story waters of a narrow sea passage. He was the guy who gave the pacific ocean its name.
  • Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
    1528

    Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca

    Accompanied by a slave by the name Estevanico and others, explored the North American Southwest looking for 7 cities of gold.
  • Francisco Pizarro
    1532

    Francisco Pizarro

    a conquistador who explored the Andes Mountains of South America and conquered the Inca Empire. was a skilled soldier.
  • Jacques Cartier
    1534

    Jacques Cartier

    He was the first European to travel inland in North America. Claimed what is now know as France.
  • Francisco Vasquez de Coronado
    1540

    Francisco Vasquez de Coronado

    led a major Spanish expedition up Mexico's western coast and into the region that is now the southwestern united states.
  • Hernando De Soto
    1541

    Hernando De Soto

    Explored Florida and North Carolina. Discovered Mississippi River. He traveled for three years.
  • Juan Cabrillo
    1542

    Juan Cabrillo

    he led the first European expedition that explored what is now the west coast of the united states. Carrillo departed from the port of Navidad, Mexico.
  • Henry Hudson

    Henry Hudson

    His first Voyage was west from England. He was hired ot find a shorter route to Asia from Europe though the Arctic Ocean. After twice being turned back by ice, he embarked on a third voyage.
  • Jacques Marquette

    Jacques Marquette

    Both Marquette and Joliet explored Mississippi. Jacques Marquette and the fur trader who is also Joliet, set out on a four-month voyage that carried them thousands of miles through the heart of North America to explore the path of the Mississippi river.
  • Louis Joliet

    Louis Joliet

    He did his exploring in the spring. He did trading, map making, fishing, and exploration in the Labrador area.