Explorers

Bartolomeu Dias

Aug 16, 1487

Dias's objective was to find the country of legendary Christian king Prester John and sail the southern end of Africa in hopes of finding a route to Asia. The king of Portugal in this time was Alfonso V. Dias traveled from Portugal around the cape of good hope to Mossel bay and then back to Portugal. Dias died on his journey in a brutal storm. He found a water route to India and this helps people trade faster.

Christopher Columbus

Sep 6, 1492

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain funded his trip from Spain. He started in Spain then he sailed to the Canary Islands, then to San Salvador, and back to Spain. It took 1 year. Nobody died. He found San Salvador.

Giovanni Caboto

Jan 23, 1497

King Henry VII of England helped his voyages. He navigated through the Strait of Belle Isle and almost to the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Followed the coast of Newfoundland from its western coast around the southern shore and back up the east coast. He and his whole crew were lost and never heard from again.

Vasco da Gama

Jul 8, 1497

He sailed from Portugal under the ruler Manuel 1.He wanted to find a sea route to Asia by sailing around Africa. He also wanted spices and other goods from Asia. He sailed from Portugal past the Cape of good hope, then to India, and back to Portugal. The voyage took 1 year. Half of his crew died on the voyage. He found a direct sea route from Europe to Asia, and was the first European to sail to India by going around Africa. He made a better route to India.

Vasco Nunes de Balboa

Jan 20, 1501

He sailed for Spain under Manuel 1. He sailed from Spain to San Sebastian in 13 years. No deaths accrued. He was the first European to see the Pacific from the American continent.

Ferdinand Magellan

Aug 15, 1519

He sailed for Spain under Manuel 1. He sailed from Spain to Puerto San Julian, to Mactan, and then back to Spain. He traveled through the Pacific Ocean. He started with 5 ships and ended up with 2 left. he didn't actually make it all the way he died before finsihing the voyage, but he is still credited. He is credited for being the first person to sail around the world.

Juan Sebastian Elcano

Aug 15, 1519

He sail for Spain under Manuel 1. He sailed from Spain to Puerto San Julian, to Mactan, and then back to Spain. He traveled through the Pacific Ocean. He started with 5 ships and ended up with 2 left. He took over Magellan's voyage after he died.

Jacques Cartier

Apr 4, 1534

He was sponsered by King Francis of France. He sailed from France to Newfoundland, to St. Lawrence River, and back to France. It took 5 months. He returned with all of his men plus two more natives. Cartier explored the St. Lawrence River as far as present day Montreal, claiming it for France.

Henry Hudson

May 1, 1607

Muscovy Company of England and the Dutch East India Company. He sailed from England to Ungava bay to the Hudson Bay to St. James Bay then back to England. Nobody was reported dead. He explored Hudson Bay, the Hudson River as far as West Point, south to the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay.