Explorer Timeline

Marco Polo's Spark

Sep 15, 1300

Marco polo wrote a book about his visits to China and other Asia Islands. This caused many Europeans to think about the riches of Asia.

The European Search

Oct 3, 1400

Many European's wanted to search fo new land and oppurtunities. Some wanted an adventure and others wanted to spread there religion or make money.

Christopher Columbbus's First expedition

Sep 15, 1492

In 1492 Colombus led his first expedition westward and landed in the Bahamas he believed were near Asia. He persuaded the King and queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella to support his voyages.

Vasco da Gama And Henry the Navigator

Sep 15, 1497

Henry the Navigator urged Sea Captians to to explore southward along the coast of Africa. He also wanted someone to find a a route around the continent to the spice islands near India.Vasco da Gama a portuguese expolrer, found a route around the continent to India.

John Cabot's Voyage

Sep 15, 1497

King Henry VII sent Cabot on a voyage to the west. They hoped to find a water route through the Americas to Asia. Cabot landed in New Foundland instead and failed to find the northwest passage that lead to Asia.

Columbus's Second Expedition

Sep 15, 1498

On this expedition, Columbus reached South America. Later, a mapmaker labeled the continent America after another explore, Amerigo Vespucci, and this name stuck.

Juan Ponce de Leon

Sep 16, 1513

Leon was a Spanish offiial in the new world. In 1508 he explored and setteled Puerto Rico. In Spain, King Ferdinand authorized Leon to explore the lands north of Cuba. He landed on the east coast of florida. The ships sailed down the East florida coast and through the Florida Keys. He went about 100 miles up the west coast florida when he found the Caribbean islands.

Verrazano's Expedition

Sep 16, 1524

King Franic 1 sent Giovanni da Verrazano westward in 1524. Verrazano landed in North Carolina's outer bamks. Across the islands he thought he saw the Pacific Ocean but he was really looking at the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. He then explored up the coast and returned to France.

The Conquistadores

Sep 17, 1560

Conquistadores in had taken rich land from Mexico and Gold and silver from South America made Spain a rich country. They built forts in Florida to defend from the Europeans.

Jean Ribault

Apr 16, 1562

French protestants known as Huguenots lead by Jean Ribalt attempted to settle near present day Port Royal, South Carolina in 1562. Despite the favorable conditions Jean Ribualt gave up and returned to france in 1564. That same year Rene de Laundonniere setteled at Fort Caroline on the north Florida coast. Jean Ribualt brought supply ships to the fort.

St. Augustine

Sep 16, 1565

In 1565 Spain sent troops under Pedro Menendez de Aviles to Florida. Just south of Fort Caroline Menedez built a fort at St.Augustone. Meanwhile, Jean Ribault prepared to attacl. A storm wrecked his army and Menedez captured Fort Caroline. Menedez continued to build forts throughout Florida to strengthen Spains grip.

Pedro de Coronas

Sep 17, 1566

Pedro de Coronas was the leader of the expedition after they landed on the NC shore. Storms prevented them from sailing to chesapeake, so they returned to the West Indies.