Columbus' Voyage of Discovery

By: Kally M. B.

Yellow (D2B2)

January 23, 2018

Date of Article: 1991

Headline: 1492, The Voyage of Discovery Begins

Author: Lorenzo Camusso

Source: The Voyages of Columbus

Three Vocabulary Words:

1. Mooring - permanent structure to which a vessel may be secured
2. Hemp - a cannabis plant grown for its fiber
3. Communion - the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level

On Friday, August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus left Palos, Spain and began a voyage that changed history. With three ships, Columbus and his crew sailed down the Tinto river, into the Atlantic Ocean. They initially set their course for the Canary Islands. This was done for many reasons, including the position of the islands as the westernmost Spanish territory, and as a place to replenish supplies. There is even the possibility that Columbus wanted to visit a woman he loved. However, the most important reason Columbus sailed to the Canary Islands first is because the route and conditions were familiar to him. Having sailed the Atlantic for years, Columbus had enough knowledge and experience to identify trade wind patterns. Despite the fact that Columbus had sailed these water before, he still came across many difficulties. One ship, the Niña, had a broken rudder three days after leaving Palos. Columbus believed it was a sabotage, but regardless, the repairs and subsequent complications delayed the voyage for about a month. On September 6, 1492, the three ships finally left the Canary Islands, but did not make progress until September 9, when the winds picked up. By that evening, Columbus and his crew had lost sight of the Canary Islands, and were on their way to unknown lands.

Image Source: https://www.biography.com/news/christopher-columbus-day-facts

The map below shows roughly Columbus's voyage.