We all know that in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But did you know these 5 fun facts?
1. He Made 4 Voyages in Total
Christopher Columbus is best known for his journey to the “New World” in 1492, however, he actually set sail on another three separate occasions after. The areas he traveled to included South America, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.
2. He Never Actually Stepped Foot in North America
One large misconception is that Columbus discovered North America, however, this is not true. His journey primarily focused on South America and its surrounding areas during his four expeditions. He did not “discover” America.
3. His Governorship Was Taken Away
Spanish Authorities became aware of the way Columbus and his men were treating the natives on their journeys. Spanish Governor Francisco de Bobadilla was disappointed in Columbus’s actions and responded by sending him home in shackles and stripping him of his Hispaniola governor title.
4. His Real Name Wasn’t Christopher Columbus
Columbus’s given name was Cristoforo Columbo at birth. There is a theory that the name Christopher Columbus originates from his fascination with a pirate named Colombo.
5. The Ship Names Nina and Pinta, Were Nicknames
Many ships in the 15th century were named after saints. Many sailors, however, did not follow this rule and sometimes created vulgar nicknames for their vessels or named them after other people. Columbus’s ship Santa Maria was the only one with an official name.
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