Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus was a famous explorer. He was born in Italy a very long time ago, around the year 1451. He loved the sea and dreamed of sailing to faraway lands. In 1492, he led a big trip across the Atlantic Ocean. He wanted to find a new way to reach Asia. Instead, he landed in the Americas. His trips changed the world in big ways.

His Famous Voyage

In 1492, Columbus set sail with three ships. They were called the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. The king and queen of Spain paid for his trip. He sailed for many weeks across the huge ocean. His crew grew scared and tired. Then, on October 12, 1492, they saw land. They had reached an island in the Caribbean Sea. Columbus thought he had found Asia, but he had not.

What Happened Next

Columbus made four trips across the ocean in all. He visited many islands and parts of Central and South America. He met native people who already lived there. His trips led more people from Europe to come to the Americas. This changed life for everyone, both good and bad. Today, people still learn about Columbus in school. Some countries have a special day named after him.

Fun Facts

• Columbus never actually set foot on what is now the United States.
• He thought the world was smaller than it really is.
• His ship, the Santa Maria, crashed and sank on his first trip.

Did You Know?

Columbus died still believing that he had reached Asia, not a whole new part of the world!