Juan Ponce de Leon, (approximately 1460 to 1521) born a soldier and explorer, was the first Spaniard to discover the coast of Florida. His journeys include Bimini, Puerto Rico, Florida, Spain and the Dominican.
Vintage map of Florida. Of course this is an artist’s rendering, but it’s similar to a map from the 1500’s or before. Typically maps were made from handmade paper and were of very thin density. Sailors would hold the map over a candle light as to see it in the dark which explains the burn holes in the center of the page.
Borders of the past and present, sailing to the coast of Florida in the 1500’s. The coastline of Florida was very underdeveloped compared to present day. Upon arrival, the explorers and the natives broke out into battle over ownership of the land.
Ponce de Leon’s map from 1513. His voyage started in Spain, traveled through the Dominican, Bimini (Bahamas) up to St. Augustine, down around the southernmost point of Florida and to Puerto Rico.
Santa Maria, one of 3 ships with Ponce de Leon’s voyage to the Americas in 1513. Upon this voyage, there were a total of about 200 crew members consisting of warriors, doctors, priests and explorers.
The Fountain of Youth, sought after by Ponce de Leon on his voyage to the Americas. This fountain was thought to have curative powers and keep whoever drank from it eternally young.
Pascua de Florida – which literally translates to “fest of flowers” in Spanish – is the name given to the present day state of Florida, because of the lush flowers and colorful blooms Ponce de Leon came across when he discovered the land.
These are Indians similar to those protecting the land of which Spanish and European explorers were trying to invade and take over. Most times, the voyagers were successful, but other times battle broke out and the explorers with their crew were badly injured or killed. The Indians would poison their arrows prior to shooting them as to cause irreversible damage upon entry.
References (in order of appearance)
Jonathan. (2009). Rhythm and waves blog. Retrieved from http://rhythmandwaves.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/jonjuan-in-spanish-class/
Museum of Florida Art. (2009). Legendary Florida background. Retrieved from http://www.museumoffloridaart.org/legendaryflorida/background.html
Bucuvalas, T. (2000). At the borders of culture: Past and present. Retrieved from http://www.kislakfoundation.org/millennium-exhibit/bucuvalas1.htm
Lopez-White, C. (2010). Ponce de Leon. Retrieved from http://cheyennelopezwhite.glogster.com/Ponce-de-Leon/
Janning, R. (2006). Knights of Columbus. Retrieved from http://www.kofc2898.org/
De Leon, J.P. (2008). Juan Ponce de Leon blog. Retrieved from jponcedeleon123.blogspot.com/
