The Discovery of America By cuan_burda Period: Aug 1, 1492 to Apr 1, 1493 The First Travel of Columbus Aug 3, 1492 Departure from Palos Columbus set sail from Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, with three ships: la Santa María, la Pinta, and la Niña. Aug 12, 1492 Stop in the Canary Islands The expedition stopped in the Canary Islands for final provisions and repairs.