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Juan Ponce de León was born in 1474 in the village of Santervás de Campos, Spain.
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Ponce de León joined Christopher Columbus during his second voyage for the new world, along with some 1200 sailors, colonists, and soldiers. In September, he left from Cadiz in southwestern Spain, on one of the 16 ships meant for the expedition of Columbus.
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Ponce de León was given a royal contract which outlined his rights and authorities to search for the 'Islands of Bimini' also spelled Benimy (in the Bahamas)
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In search of the "Fountain of youth", Juan Ponce de León is believed to have discovered Florida during this expedition.
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Ponce de León set out from San German in Peutro Rico with three ships, at his own expense, on March 4, 1513. After traveling for a few days, the fleet sighted land, which Ponce de León believed was another island. He named it as La Florida because of the beautiful flowers on its landscape. According to many historians, he discovered Florida while searching for the Fountain of Youth.
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Ponce de León secured a second grant, which gave him the power to make settlements on the Islands of Bimini and Florida. He was also knighted and given a personal coat of arms, which made him the first conquistador to receive these honors.
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Ponce de León set out with two ships which consisted of some 200 men, including priests, farmers and artisans, in order to colonize Florida. He landed on the west coast of Florida along with his fleet, but was met by Native American warriors.
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Due to wounds he suffered in battle, Juan Ponce de León died July 1521 in Habana, Cuba.
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In honor of his exploration, a statue of Juan Ponce de Leon was built in Saint Augustine, Florida.
