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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. -
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". -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
1532
Francisco Pizarro
a conquistador who explored the Andes Mountains of South America and conquered the Inca Empire. was a skilled soldier. -
1534
Jacques Cartier
He was the first European to travel inland in North America. Claimed what is now know as France. -
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. -
1541
Hernando De Soto
Explored Florida and North Carolina. Discovered Mississippi River. He traveled for three years. -
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
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
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
He did his exploring in the spring. He did trading, map making, fishing, and exploration in the Labrador area.
