Explorers

Country (Sponsor)

Reasons for Exploring

Successes/Achievement

Christopher Columbus

Spain

To find a western sea route to Asia

1st European to discover a sea route to America; discovered “New World” (landed at San Salvador which is near the Bahamas.)

Juan Ponce de Leon

Spain

To discover riches and land to conquer

1^st European to land in Florida (near St. Augustine which is in southern FL); gave Spain claim to Florida.

Jacques Cartier

France

To colonize the New World

Explored the St. Lawrence RiverValley (near Quebec, Canada) and gave France a North American claim.

Christopher Newport

England

To discover riches, find a western sea route to Asia, and colonize Virginia.

Arrived at present day Jamestown, VA; made 4 more voyages to bring more people to Jamestown; was one of the first men to reach the Fall Line of the James River.