By: HISTORY.com Editors
Columbus sets sail from Spain
Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sets sail from the Spanish port of Palos in command of three ships—the Santa Maria, the Pinta and the Nina—on a journey to find a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia.
On October 12, the expedition sighted land, probably Watling Island in the Bahamas, and went ashore the same day, claiming it for Spain. Later that month, Columbus sighted Cuba, which he thought was mainland China, and in December the expedition landed on Hispaniola, which Columbus thought might be Japan.
Columbus established a small colony on Hispaniola with 39 of his men. The explorer returned to Spain with gold, spices and “Indian” captives in March 1493, whereupon he was received with the highest honors by the Spanish court of Ferdinand II and Isabella. He was the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland in the 10th century.
During his lifetime, Columbus led a total of four expeditions to the Americas, discovering various Caribbean islands, the Gulf of Mexico, and the South and Central American mainland, but never accomplished his original goal—a western ocean route to the great cities and riches of Asia. Columbus died in Spain in 1506 without realizing the scope of what he did achieve: He had discovered for Europe the so-called "New World," whose riches over the next century would help make Spain the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth.
Why Do We Celebrate Columbus?
Christopher Columbus sailed from Spain in 1492, but he wasn't Spanish. People claim he was Italian, but he wasn't quite that either. So what exactly is his story?
Famous Expeditions Quiz
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Citation Information
- Article Title
- Columbus sets sail from Spain
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 21, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- September 15, 2026
- Original Published Date
- February 09, 2010
