Ponce DeLeon

One of Ponce de Leon's most important discoveries was of what is now known as the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream is a powerful current in the Atlantic Ocean that would serve as an important naval highway for Spanish ships returning to the European continent. When Ponce de Leon discovered this current in 1513, he was surprised by the fact that he could not sail against it even in strong winds.

Ponce de Leon is often credited with being the first Spaniard to set foot on the North American continent despite the fact that this in known to be false. A map that depicted parts of Florida had already been created and published (is publish the right word?) by a Spaniard named Andres de Morales of Sevilla, in 1511. Ponce de Leon did, however, name Florida and dispel the belief that it was the legendary island of Bimini.

On Ponce de Leon's first voyage to Florida he had with him three ships and a crew that included one European woman (the first in Florida), two free black African men (also the first in Florida), two Indian slaves, and one white slave.

Ponce de Leon's efforts to colonize Florida happened during the time that Cortes was conquering Mexico. Many of Ponce de Leon's men joined Cortes's forces after Ponce de Leon's mission failed.

43 years passed before a permanent European presence was established on the Floridian peninsula.

Ponce de Leon married the daughter of a Santo Domingo innkeeper, Leonor, in 1502. Together they had three daughters, Juana, Isabel, and Maria, and one son, Luis. Maria and Luis were born in Salvaleon (Ponce de Leon's settlement on Puerto Rico).

Events
Columbus' 'discovery' of the New World
Marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella
Formation of modern state of Spain

People
Christopher Columbus
Ferdinand II of Aragon
Isabella I of Castilla
Hernan Cortes
El Cid

Major Disoveries
The Gulf Stream
Florida
Puerto Rico