When Christopher Columbus — an Italian navigator and explorer — departed on August 3, 1492, he had one ambitious goal: finding a western sea route to the East Indies. The spice trade was enormously profitable, and Columbus was convinced he could establish a faster, more convenient path to tap into that wealth. As it turned out, Columbus and his crews never reached Asia. Instead, they made landfall on an island in the Bahamas, an event that would spark extensive European exploration and colonization of the lands now known as the Americas. Below are some interesting tidbits about this legendary voyage.
Fun Facts
- Three ships carried Christopher Columbus and his expedition from Spain. These vessels bore the names the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria.
- A total of 90 men crewed the three ships, brimming with optimism and hope as they launched from Palos de la Frontera. Their westward heading was shaped by the conviction that the world is round — and that by sailing in that direction, they would ultimately arrive at India or China, lands they believed to be overflowing with wealth.
- After 61 days at sea, the crew made it to the Bahamas. Columbus felt certain he had accomplished his mission; what he didn't realize was that his journey had just begun.
- Christopher went on to explore the Lesser Antilles in 1493 and subsequently ventured to the land masses of Trinidad, South America, and North America.
- While much of the geographic community held his accomplishments in high regard, his public reputation suffered greatly once the atrocities carried out under his rule came to light.
- Accounts of slavery, cruelty and depopulation efforts have surfaced over time, leaving the great explores reputation in shambles.