Christopher Columbus was a European discoverer of the New World, born in Genoa, Italy. He went to sea at 14, was shipwrecked in Portugal, and settled there c.1470. His plans to reach India by sailing west were rejected by John II of Portugal, but finally supported by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.

He set sail from Saltes on August 3rd, 1492 in the Santa Maria, with 50 men, and attended by the Pinta and Nina.

He reached the Bahamas on October 12th, then visited Cuba and Hispaniola (Haiti), where he left a small colony. He returned March 15th, 1493 to be received with highest honors by the court.

His second voyage (1493-96) led to the discovery of several Caribbean islands. During his third voyage (1498-1500) he discovered the South American mainland, but after a revolt against his command, he was sent home in irons by a newly appointed royal governor.

Restored to favor in Spain, he sailed on his last great voyage (1502-4) along the south side of the Gulf of Mexico.

He died at Valladolid, Spain. In 1536, his remains and those of his son Diego, were removed to Santo Domingo, in Hispaniola. They were returned to Spain in 1899, and interred in Seville Cathedral.

Source: www.patriotism.org