(1451-1506)

Christopher Columbus is the man credited with finding the American continent for the country of Spain on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day is the day the USA and many other North and South American countries commemorate his discovery! Most US states observe the holiday on the second Monday of October. Columbus Day is also known as Dia de la Raza in many Latin America countries, Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Dia de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity in Argentina, Day of the Americans in Belize and Uruguay. These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially since the early 1900s.

During Columbus’ lifetime, the countries of Europe traded mostly with Asia along a land route called the Silk Road. This route was long and dangerous, and many explorers wanted to find a shortcut by water, to trade more easily with the Asian countries.

Christopher Columbus had the crazy idea to sail west, across the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Asia. It took him three years to get funding for his voyage, and after being turned down many times by different countries, the Spain’s Queen Isabella finally gave Columbus three ships, and a full load of food and supplies.

On his way to what he thought would be Asia, he ran into the Bahamas, accidentally stumbling upon what would later become known as North and South America.

Columbus returned to the Americas three more times, exploring the Caribbean islands, and some of Central and South America.

Although there were accounts of a few other Europeans who discovered these lands before Columbus did, his voyage ultimately led to the colonization and full exploration of the huge American continents.

We hope you enjoy learning about him!