European+Explorers

toc = = To listen to interviews of each of the following European Explorers please visit our podcasting page on Smittie's K.I.D.S. Rock the Media = = =European Explorers=

**Juan Ponce de Leon**
Juan Ponce de leon was born in 1460 in San Tervas de Campos in Spain. He died after getting wounded with an arrow at the age of 61 in Cuba. When Christopher Columbus set sail for his second voyage,Juan Ponce de Leon came with him and settled in Hispaniola,a Caribbean island.Once in Hispaniola,he was elected governor of Puerto Rico.He wanted to find riches and find the Fountain of youth unclaimed by Europeans.He went to explore that island,and it had very sweet-smelling flowers.He wanted to give it a name that would really fit it.He named it Florida,since Florida means flowery in Spanish.He didn't find the fountain of youth, but he had a good trip.He ware a Silver chest armor with a Spanish helmet and puffy pants.Juan was the offspring of a royal spanish family. Juan's exploration started in 1506. It ended in 1521. He was the first European to explore on Florida.He will always be remembered as the brave conquisador who explored Florida and searched for the mythical Fountain of Youth.
 * Interview with Juan Ponce de leon** media type="file" key="European Explorer-Juan Ponce de Leon.mp3" width="240" height="20"



Jacques Cartier
The French explorer, Jacques Cartier, set sea to find a way to get through what they thought was a big island called America. He was sent by the French King, Francis, to find a body of water that cut through it. He left in 1534 to find a route to Asia. He traveled to what is Newfoundland in modern Canada. He traveled through a gulf until he found a strait(a narrow river). He was getting low on food so he returned to France. After that, he went back a year later. This time he met Native Americans which were his guides. He then named the strait St.(Saint) Lawrence. He then took a Chief home. On the third travel they went to the mouth of the strait. Sixty years later New France had it's permanent settlement. He lived from December 31, 1491 to September 1, 1557 (aged 65).

John Cabbot
John Cabbot sailed