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Juan Ponce de Leon born probably in the spanish town of San Servos
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While Christopher Columbus sailed to find the West Indies, de Leon was serving the in the Spanish army and helped defeat the Moors after a 10 year campaign.
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When Christopher Columbus was going on his second journey to the Indies, de Leon accompanied him on the voyage.
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When Don Nicolas de Ovando was appointed vicerory after Christopher Columbus left the island of Hispaniola, he appointed de Leon governor. Hispaniola is now divided betweeen Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
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In 1509 de Leon had had enough of HIspaniola and decided to go explore the newly discovered island, Borinquen which is now known as Puerto Rico.
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A mounth after exploring Boringuen de Leon is appointed the island governor.
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After 4 years of being governor of Borinquen, de Leon was called on again for adventure. He was sent to explore the island Bimini which was said to hold the fountain of youth, a water fall, with one drink could make any person young forever! Bimini is now called Florida. Sadly, there was no fountain of youth on Bimini. However, de Leon was the first spainard to ever step on North America! He claimed the land in the name of Spain and named the place Pascua Florida.
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In 1514 de Leon returned to Spain to see if he could become Florida's governor. He didn't return until 1520.
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In 1521 de Leon returned to Florida to establish a settlement. But during a Natives battle when he was trying to drive them out of Florida, de Leon was mortally wounded by an arrow. He died 2 days later.