Reared in a working-class family in Mexicali, Mexico, just south of the California border, Zedillo returned to his native Mexico City in 1965 to study at the National Polytechnic Institute. The Europeans fought and enslaved many indigenous natives. In his Historia general y natural de las Indias of 1535, Gonzalo Fernndez de Oviedo y Valds wrote that Ponce de Len was looking for the waters of Bimini. [25] Devereux says Ponce de Len probably joined the Spanish campaigns against the Muslims in the Granada War[26] in which the Catholic Monarchs finally conquered in 1492 the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada,[27] the last Muslim polity surviving in the Iberian peninsula. Ponce De Leon in Florida, The Spanish Conqueror: A Chronicle of the Dawn of Empire Overseas, 1921, From The Library at The Mariners Museum In January 1521, Ponce de Len started preparations to return to Florida. In July 1521, a few days after the incident, in Havana, Juan Ponce de Leon died from his wounds. They were surprised to come across another Spanish ship, piloted by Diego Miruelo, who was either on a slaving voyage or had been sent by Diego Coln to spy on Ponce de Len. What are some interesting facts about Vasco Nunez de Balboa? De Leon followed up on rumors that there were islands yet to be discovered up north. As a reward for suppressing an Indian mutiny, Ponce de Len was named by Ovando to be the provincial governor of the eastern part of Hispaniola. What contributions did Christopher Columbus make to early Spanish exploration? In addition to the usual directions for sharing gold and other valuables with the king, the contract was one of the first to stipulate that the Requerimiento was to be read to the inhabitants of the islands prior to their conquest. De Leon explored Hispaniola and assisted the then governor of the province, Nicolas de Ovando, to instill order in the colony. Principal Voyage They had three daughters, Juana, Isabel and Maria; and one son, Luis. [56] The rush of Spaniards from Hispaniola wanting to mine gold disrupted the way of life of the Tano native people. Zedillo also instituted a number of reforms designed to end political corruption and create freer elections. Appointed secretary of education in 1992, Zedillo decentralized the public school system and attempted to revise textbooks and raise the literacy rate. [70][71][72] The brevity of the account and occasional gaps in the record have led historians to speculate and dispute many details of the voyage. [48][49] This earlier trip was said to have been done quietly because the Spanish crown in 1504 had commissioned Vicente Yez Pinzn to explore the island and build a fort. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. Here is a look at some of the major accomplishments of Juan Ponce De Leon. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Ponce de Len made a clandestine visit to the nearby island sometime in 1506, probably following rumors of gold. Ponce de Leon realized they were not at Bimini. In 1506, Juan Ponce de Leon went to Puerto Rico to see if the stories were true. What was Juan Ponce de Leon early life like? No mention of a mythical fountain appears in any records or documents from that era, and some historians believe it was a tall tale designed to discredit Ponce del Len by making him appear foolish. Updates? What were Francisco Pizarro accomplishments? He was known, however, for brutal attacks on Indigenous populations. Eagen, Rachel. Ponce de Len was on the Island of Hispaniola in 1504 when Indigenous peoples attacked a Spanish settlement. [73] Historian and marine archeologist Samuel Turner says that Ponce de Len sighted the Florida coast on Easter Sunday of 1513, and that many historians have misinterpreted Herrera's text by claiming it was one of the Bahama Islands Ponce saw on that date. Vasco de Gama- Discovered an ocean route from Portugal to the East, assumed to be impossible feat as it was believed that the Indian ocean was not connected to any other seasJuan Ponce de Leon . Juan Ponce de Len (/pns d lin/,[2] also UK: /pnse d len/,[3] US: /pns d lion, pns() de -/,[4][5] Spanish:[xwam pone e leon]; 1474 July 1521[6]) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador known for leading the first official European expedition to Florida and serving as the first governor of Puerto Rico. The Spaniards retreated to Havana, Cuba. In 1510, the Spanish king made Ponce de Leon governor of Puerto Rico. He married a woman named Leonor, an innkeepers daughter, and founded a town called Salvalen de Higey, now in the Dominican Republic, near his plantation. Juan Ponce de Leon Mini Book for Early Readers: Early Explorers. He was the first European to visit Florida. The Spanish crown encouraged Ponce de Len to continue searching for new lands. As president, he continued the economic policies of his predecessor, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, but devoted a major effort to restoring public confidence, which was so badly damaged by the scandals of the Salinas administration. [50] Pinzn did not fulfill his commission and it expired in 1507, leaving the way clear for Ponce de Len. Soon after taking office, Zedillo faced an economic crisis as the country was forced to devalue the peso, causing the Mexican stock market to plunge. There he was wounded by an arrow during an Indian attack, and he died after being returned toCuba. In search of this fountain of youth, as well as more lands and gold, he set sail from Puerto Rico in March 1513. Coln used the attack as a pretext for renewing hostilities against the local Tano tribes. It is possible that he began his career of exploration in 1493 as part of Christopher Columbuss second expedition to the New World. He spent a life adventuring around the New World before he died in July 1521. Juan Ponce de Len (1460 or 14741521) was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was most active in the Caribbean in the early part of the 16th century. } The expedition consisted of three ships, the Santiago, the Santa Mara de la Consolacin, and the San Cristbal. Juan Ponce de Len was born in the village of Santervs de Campos in the northern part of what is now the Spanish province of Valladolid. However, Coln's position as Viceroy made him a powerful opponent and eventually it became clear that Ponce de Len's position on San Juan was not tenable. The king agreed. Corrections? [11][12] The surname Ponce de Len dates from the 13th century. Nicols de Ovando, governor of Hispaniola, rewarded Ponce de Leon for his help in the native rebellion. Ponce de Leon . He was also Puerto Ricos first governor. Juan Ponce de Leon is a famous explorer, who had many great accomplishments. Puerto Rico's third-largest city, Ponce, bears the explorer's name. The record of his activities against the Caribs is vague. Claimed what became Florida , looked for fountain of youth and gold. [10] Although early historians placed his birth in 1460, and this date has been used traditionally, more recent evidence shows he was likely born in 1474. In 1502 he was in the West Indies as a captain serving under Nicols de Ovando, governor of Hispaniola. Tradition holds that he had learned from Indians of an island called Bimini (in the Bahamas) on which there was a miraculous spring or fountain that could rejuvenate those who drank from it (the Fountain of Youth). Ponce de Len was also ordered to organize an armada for the purpose of attacking and subduing the Caribs, who continued to attack Spanish settlements in the Caribbean.[103]. The demand for slaves kidnapped from other islands grew. So Ponce de Leon went secretly. Ponce achieved his first success with Gaspard Burgos, a deaf man who, because of his difficulty with oral communication, had been denied membership in the Benedictine order. In 150809 he explored and settled Puerto Rico, founding the colonys oldest settlement, Caparra, near what is nowSan Juan. Juan Ponce De Leon explored for nearly 61 years (approximately from 1460-1521). . #gallery-1 { Nonetheless, there exists today a 15-acre park in St. Augustine, Florida, named Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Juan Ponce de Leon: Facts, Timeline & Route. Ponce de Len reached Puerto Rico on 19 October after having been away for almost eight months. [10] Although early historians placed his birth in 1460, and this date has been used traditionally, more recent evidence shows he was likely born in 1474. Juan Ponce de Leon was born in 1460 in Santervs, Spain. Scholars A map shows the route that Juan Ponce de Len traveled in 1513. Uncharted waters, fought with Native Americans. He began his journey for fame in fortune in 1493, joining Christopher Columbus on his second journey to the New World. Around this same time, Ponce de Len married Leonora, the daughter of an innkeeper. In March 1521, Ponce de Len finally returned to Southwest Florida with the first large-scale attempt to establish a Spanish colony in what is now the continental United States. His first wife appeared to have died sometime before he left Puerto Rico.10 He and his new bride returned to Puerto Rico in 1518. Sammons, Sandra Wallus. Gallery His father, Luis Ponce de Leon, and his mother, Leonor de Figueroa, were nobles. What are some of their biggest accomplishments? Legacy Back on his island, Ponce de Len parceled out the native Tanos among himself and other settlers using the system of forced labor known as encomienda. At best, he was keeping an eye out for the fountain and any number of other legendary things as he went about the business of exploration and colonization. Because many Spanish seamen were acquainted with the Bahamas, which had been depopulated by slaving ventures, some scholars believe that this "island" was actually Florida, as it was thought to be an island for several years after its formal discovery. For other uses, see, An unauthenticated 17th-century engraving of Ponce de Len, (Paper presented at the Culturally La Florida Conference, 36 May, St. Augustine, Florida). Although the identity of Juan Ponce de Len's parents is still a matter of conjecture, according to Fuson and Arnade, citing Puerto Rican historian Aurelio Ti, Pedro Ponce de Len and Leonor de Figueroa were most likely the parents of Juan Ponce de Len. coast of mainland North America. The following month, the expedition landed on the coast of what is now Florida, near the site of modern-day St. Augustine, READ MORE: How St. Augustine Became the First European Settlement in America. Slavicek, Louise Chipley. [47] He writes in detail of the Probanza de Juan Gonzlez, according to which a temporary base was established on the west coast of Puerto Rico near the Bay of Aasco in 1506. Quail Ridge was a wonderful hunting experience. Although he enjoyed royal favor, he couldn't avoid local pitfalls, including constant struggles with the Columbus family. My teen daughter was impressed how clean the whole place was. [88][89], Several skirmishes followed with casualties on both sides. He named the site Florida, not only because they landed around the time of Easter (Pascua Florida in Spanish), but also because of the regions lush, florid vegetation. 12 Quick Facts Also Known As: Juan Ponce de Leon Died At Age: 47 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Leonor Ponce de Len Explorers Spanish Men Died on: June 30, 1521 place of death: Havana Cause of Death: Assassination Recommended Lists: Spanish People Spanish Explorers Childhood & Early Life "Biography of Juan Ponce de Len, Conquistador." He was authorized to explore the neighboring island of Puerto Rico in 1508 and to take office as the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown in 1509. What were Francisco Franco's accomplishments? At the time he did not realize that he was on the mainland of North America and instead supposed he had landed on an island. He explored the New World, became governor of the sixteenth century colony of Puerto Rico and named Florida. Biography Because it was the Easter season (known as Pascua Florida, roughly "Easter flowers," in Spanish) and because of the flowers on the land, Ponce de Len named it "Florida.". Juan Ponce de Len (c. 1460 - July 1521) was a Spanish conquistador who became the first known European to discover Florida after establishing the first European settlement in Puerto Rico.He is also famous for his legendary search for the Fountain of Youth. There he was knighted,[39] and given a personal coat of arms, becoming the first conquistador to receive these honors. This was the first known encounter by Europeans with the Gulf Stream, occurring where it reaches maximum force between the Florida coast and the Bahamas. 3. Ernesto Zedillo, in full Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Len, (born December 27, 1951, Mexico City, Mexico), president of Mexico from 1994 to 2000. The Tequesta people did not engage the Spanish, but instead evacuated into the coastal woodlands. Reared in a working-class family in Mexicali, Mexico, just south of the California border, Zedillo returned to his native Mexico City in 1965 to study at the National Polytechnic Institute. This Juan Ponce de Leon mini book lets students read easy words and pair them with the scene on the page. In mid-1508, Ponce de Len asked for and received royal permission to explore and colonize San Juan Bautista. This situation prevailed until 2 March 1510, when Ferdinand issued orders reaffirming Ponce de Len's position as governor. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He led a privately outfitted expedition from Puerto Rico in March 1513 and in April of that year landed on the coast of Florida at a site between modern Saint Augustine and Melbourne Beach. [17][18] Thus Ponce appears to have been a member of a distinguished and influential noble family. "Biography of Juan Ponce de Len, Conquistador." What were Juan Ponce de Leon's accomplishments? [84] Eventually they found a gap in the reefs and sailed "to the north and other times to the northeast" until they reached the Florida mainland on 23 May, where they encountered the Calusa, who refused to trade and drove off the Spanish ships by surrounding them with warriors in sea canoes armed with long bows. His military skills were put to the test in 1487 when he went off to the Kingdom of Granada to fight against the Muslim Moors. De Leon was one of the members of this herculean expedition that took more than twelve hundred sailors, soldiers and colonists in 1493. Though little is known about his family, he was of noble birth and served in the Spanish military from a young age. He named the region Florida because it was discovered atEastertime (Spanish: Pascua Florida). He is credited with establishing a European settlement in Puerto Rico, being the first European to reach Florida, giving the land its name. The Crown regretted the sweeping powers that had been granted to Columbus and his heirs and sought to establish more direct control in the New World. The location of their first landfall is unknown. Diego went to court, and the Spanish monarchy had no choice but to give him ownership. Some of the men went to Veracruz, Mexico, to join conquistador Hernn Cortes. [57] The Indians were put to work growing food crops and mining for gold. [106], The expedition immediately abandoned the colonization attempt and sailed to Havana, Cuba, where Ponce de Len soon died of his wounds. [53], Ponce de Len searched inland until he found a suitable site about two miles from the bay. Diego Columbus wasn't happy that Ponce de Len had been given royal permission to explore and settle San Juan Bautista. What did Vasco Nunez de Balboa accomplish? Juan Ponce de Len died in Cuba, but his remains were later transferred to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they were put to rest in San Juan Cathedral. Updates? During an attack by the natives, Ponce de Leon was shot and wounded by an arrow. In 1513, Ponce de Len led the first known European expedition to La Florida, which he named during his first voyage to the area. He was instructed to extend the settlement of the island and continue mining for gold. Anton de Alaminos was their chief pilot. He will forever be associated with the Fountain of Youth, although he was far too practical to waste much time on such an endeavor. Juan Ponce de Leon: Discoverer of Florida. He found a ready market for his farm produce and livestock at nearby Boca de Yuma where Spanish ships stocked supplies before the long voyage back to Spain. Starlight Treasures. Rather than returning to Spain, the adventurer remained at an island called Santo . Ponce de Len might have been looking for the Fountain of Youth, but it would certainly have been secondary to his search for gold or a good place to establish his next settlement. He named it La Florida in recognition of the verdant landscape and because it was the Easter season, which the Spaniards called Pascua Florida (Festival of Flowers). Juan Ponce de Leon petitioned King Ferdinand of Spain asking for royal permission to journey to Puerto Rico. [58] Many of the Spaniards treated the Tanos very harshly and death rates were very high. Still, most other Spanish landowners and enslavers were much worse. Encyclopdia Britannica, Inc. Juan Ponce de Len was an early Spanish explorer of the Americas. It's a great addition to your New World Explorers or Early Explorers unit with non-fiction passages and a variety of fun activities to do! What was Juan Ponce de Leon's family like? In 1513, exploring the Caribbean, searching for gold and the legendary Fountain of Youth, he landed on Florida and claimed it for Spain. After that war ended, he may have gone along on the second voyage to the West Indies led by Christopher Columbus in 1493. In an effort to reward Ponce de Len for his services, Ferdinand urged him to seek these new lands outside the authority of Coln. In 1508 King Ferdinand (Queen Isabella having opposed the exploitation of natives but dying in 1504) authorized Ponce de Len to conquer the remaining Tanos and exploit them by forcing them to mine gold. This appointment was later confirmed by Ferdinand II on 14 August 1509. [40][41], Ponce de Len prospered in this new role. What is Francisco Vazquez de Coronado known for? Ponce de Leon sailed again for Florida in 1521 landing near Charlotte Harbor. In April 1513 he landed on the coast of Florida at a site between Saint AugustineandMelbourne Beach. Ponce de Len made the most of this plantation, turning it into productive farmland and raising vegetables and animals including pigs, cattle, and horses. Nearly a decade later, he was serving as a captain in the force commanded by Nicols de Ovando, Spains royal governor of the island of Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Mankato: Capstone Press, 2005. Ponce de Len found that his position in San Juan Bautista had weakened in his absence. Ponce de Len returned once again to Spain to meet with the regent, Cardinal Cisneros, who assured him his rights to Florida were intact. In addition, the contract gave specific instructions for the distribution of gold, Native Americans, and other profits extracted from the new lands; the contract made no mention of a rejuvenating fountain.[67][68][69]. /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Createyouraccount. He also established the oldest European settlement in Puerto Rico and discovered the Gulf Stream (a current in the Atlantic Ocean). width: 33%; [94] Then in 1575, Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda, a shipwreck survivor who had lived with the Native Americans of Florida for 17 years, published his memoir in which he locates the waters called the River Jordan (flowing out of Eden) in Florida,[95] and says that Ponce de Len was supposed to have looked for them there. [33][34], The fleet reached the Caribbean in November 1493. He continued to explore the region and amassed substantial quantities of precious metals. Juan Ponce de Leon had a poor yet noble childhood and was very brave. Vasco Nunez de Balboa accomplishment. On March 3, 1513, Ponce de Leon and his men departed from modern day San Germn. On March 3, 1513, Ponce de Leon and his men departed from modern day San Germn. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. ThoughtCo. Ernesto Zedillo Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Len ( Spanish pronunciation: [enesto seio]; born 27 December 1951) is a Mexican economist and politician. [43] The large stone house Ponce de Len ordered built for his growing family still stands today near the city of San Rafael del Yuma; he named it Salvalen after his grandmother's estate in Castile. He died in Cuba from wounds received while fighting Native Americans . As a soldier on Hispaniola, Ponce de Leon helped fight against the native people. Ponce de Leon was actively involved in the Higuey massacre and then in 1508 chosen by the Spanish Crown to lead the conquest and exploitation of the Tainos Indians for gold mining operations. The explorer suspected that Coln was working to further undermine his position on the island and perhaps even to take his claims for the newly discovered Florida. His name is usually associated with the exploration of Puerto Rico and Florida, where, according to popular legend, he searched for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Quick Facts: He was a Spanish explorer who became the first governor of Puerto Rico, the first European known to reach the mainland of present day United States, and he gave Florida its name. As a boy, he served as a squire personal attendant to Don Pedro Nez de Guzmn. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Omissions? He attained the permission of Ovando and ventured out on an expedition of his own. What were Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's accomplishments? Encouraged by the Spanish crown to discover more lands, Ponce de Len allegedly decided to follow rumors he had heard from local natives about an island called Bimini, home to a magical spring or fountain whose waters would rejuvenate those who drank from it. How did Juan Ponce de Leon change the world? Subsequent explorations lead to the establishing of a Spanish colony in Puerto Rico. But the Spanish crown wanted Ponce de Leon to find new lands. 2. What was Juan Ponce de Leon searching for? In 1521 Ponce de Len sailed again for Florida, with two ships and 200 men, and landed near Charlotte Harbor. His expedition had collected a good quantity of gold but was running low on food and supplies.[55]. Early life Juan Ponce de Le n was born in San Servas, Spain. He then returned to Puerto Rico and made his way to Spain, where he was named military governor of Florida and given permission to colonize the region. Ponce de Len's governorship was later validated by King Ferdinand of Spain, but in 1511, a Spanish court ruled in favor of Columbus. The vicinity of Charlotte Harbor is the most commonly identified spot, while some assert a landing further north at Tampa Bay or even Pensacola. In 1510, the Spanish king made Ponce de Leon governor of Puerto Rico. He also helped Mexico achieve its first balanced budget. Ponce de Leon Tourism: Best of Ponce de Leon. They reached the Dry Tortugas on 21 June. Once they regained their bearings, the fleet retraced their route east along the Florida Keys and around the Florida peninsula, reaching Grand Bahama on 8 July. Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan and Matt Mullen. Francisco Labastida Ochoa was selected to be the PRIs candidate, but he was defeated in the 2000 presidential election by Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN). Although the quest for this fabled site might have been a contributing influence to Ponce de Lens explorations, modern scholarship suggests that it was not the primary motive. New York: Benchmark Books, 2005. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Ponce de Len began looking for other places to settle. [105], Before the settlement could be established, the colonists were attacked by the Calusa, the indigenous people who dominated southern Florida and whose principal town was nearby. He discovered that the island had both gold and other valuable resources. Ponce de Leon was also given permission to colonize the Florida region he had explored. [30][31] Ponce de Len, nineteen years old, was able to get passage in this expedition, with Nez de Guzmn's help,[32] as one of 200 "gentleman volunteers". The three ships in this small fleet were the Santiago, the San Cristobal and the Santa Maria de la Consolacion. He died in 1521. #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { Also known as: Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Len. Juan Ponce de Len was a Spanish explorer. [36] This was Ponce de Len's first glimpse of the place that would play a major role in his future. He did receive assurances of support from Cardinal Francisco Jimnez de Cisneros, the regent appointed to govern Castile, but it was nearly two years before he was able to return home to Puerto Rico. [84], They continued down the coast hugging the shore to avoid the strong head current. [61] For several years Diego Coln had been waging a legal battle over his rights to inherit the titles and privileges granted to his father. On that first expedition to Florida, Ponce de Len explored the coast, including the Florida Keys, and discovered the Gulf Stream, the warm ocean current that would help future Spanish ships maneuver their way home from the New World. "Did the famous explorer Ponce de Len first hit Melbourne Beach", Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, "Literatura y rivalidad familiar en el linaje de los Ponce de Len a fines del siglo XV", "History of Juan Ponce de Leon's Voyages to Florida", 10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.2000274, "Doa Leonor Ponce de Len: la primera puertorriquea", "The Caribbean World of Juan Ponce de Len and His Discovery of Florida", "Juan Ponce de Len and the Discovery of Florida Reconsidered", "Contra la Leyenda Negra: la mentira de Ponce de Len y la fuente de la eterna juventud", The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Appletons' Cyclopdia of American Biography, Yale University Genocide Studies on Puerto Rico, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Juan_Ponce_de_Len&oldid=1152189323, This page was last edited on 28 April 2023, at 19:03. In July 1521, a few days after the incident, in Havana, Juan Ponce de Leon died from his wounds. Ovando rewarded his victorious commander by appointing him frontier governor of the newly conquered province, then named Higey also. Introduction Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. He embarked on an expedition that led him to Florida. The purpose of Ponce's voyages was arriving to China, it is seemed to be believed that this was his purpose when sailing with Columbus. [73][83] The expedition sailed north for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night and rowing ashore the next morning. [51], His earlier exploration had confirmed the presence of gold and gave him a good understanding of the geography of the island. He was knighted, given a coat of arms, and received confirmation of his rights to Florida. They took on water at an island they named Santa Marta (now Key Biscayne) and explored the Tequesta Miami mound town at the mouth of the Miami River. Under Ponce's tutelage, Burgos learned to speak so that he could . 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/biography-of-juan-ponce-de-leon-2136435. This mini book is for early readers: Pre-k, Kindergarten and 1st Grade. He spent some time as a soldier fighting off the Moors, but Ponce de Leon had another passion: adventure. The following day they came ashore to seek information and take possession of this new land.[76][77]. Juan Ponce de Len, (born 1460?, Santervs de Campos, Valladolid, Len [Spain]died 1521, Havana, Cuba), Spanish explorer who founded the first European settlement on Puerto Rico and who is credited with being the first European to reach Florida (1513). [52] This expedition, consisting of about 50 men in one ship, left Hispaniola on 12 July 1508 and eventually anchored in San Juan Bay, near today's city of San Juan. Born in 1460 into a noble family in Len, Spain, Juan Ponce served as a page in the royal court of Aragon. After his death, more and more Spanish explorers wanted to sail west to explore Florida. In February 1521, Ponce de Len departed San Juan on his second expedition to Florida, accompanied by two ships and around 200 people plus horses, tools, and seeds to set up a farming colony. [14], Before October 1235, a son of Ponce Vela de Cabrera and his wife Teresa Rodrguez Girn named Pedro Ponce de Cabrera[15] married Aldonza Alfonso, an illegitimate daughter of King Alfonso IX of Len. Although discovering Florida was probably one of his biggest accomplishment, Juan Ponce de Leon had many more accomplishments and noteworthy discoveries. Some historians believe it occurred at or near St. Augustine,[78] but others prefer a more southerly landing at a small harbor now called Ponce de Len Inlet. Voyages Ponce de Len's own house was destroyed and his family narrowly escaped. 1. Dedicated Spainard: Born in Spain circa 1460, Juan Ponce de Leon was a Spanish explorer. turtles. Juan Ponce de Leon was an explorer or conquistador during the age of discovery. Many of the colonies he set up in Puerto Rico survived long after his death, and his influence is still known throughout the area. Juan Ponce de Leon petitioned King Ferdinand of Spain asking for royal permission to journey to Puerto Rico. What accomplishments did Christopher Columbus make? Spanish slave expeditions had been regularly raiding the Bahamas since 1494 and there is some evidence that one or more of these slavers made it as far as the shores of Florida. Ponce de Len equipped three ships with at least 200 men at his own expense and set out from Puerto Rico on 4 March 1513. Ponce de Lens travels, 1513. He served as the Governor of Puerto Rico from 1509 . Guzmn was a Knight Commander in the royal court, a very important position. He coasted southward, sailing through the Florida Keys and ending his search near Charlotte Harbor on Floridas west coast. Juan Ponce de Len, born into Spanish nobility, was a soldier and explorer who served as governor of the eastern province of Hispaniola when he decided to explore a nearby island, now known as Puerto Rico. Over the years he has studied singing, songwriting, acting , playing piano, and music production. Impressed with his contributions and help, Ovando appointed de Leon as the frontier government of Higuey, a new province on the eastern part of the island. } What are some interesting facts about Juan Ponce de Leon? Food was in short supply for all the expeditions and exploration taking place, so he prospered. 2. Juan Ponce de Len. By June 1511, the Tanos, pushed to the limits of their endurance, began a short-lived rebellion, which was forcibly put down by Ponce de Len and a small force of troops armed with crossbows and arquebuses. [87] Other historians have argued the distances were too great to cover in the available time and the more likely location was Cape Romano or Cape Sable. The expedition landed somewhere on the coast of southwest Florida, likely in the vicinity of Charlotte Harbor or the Caloosahatchee River, areas which Ponce de Len had visited in his earlier voyage to Florida. What was Diego Rivera's involvement in the Mexican Revolution? . On 8 April they encountered a current so strong that it pushed them backwards and forced them to seek anchorage. His father, Luis Ponce de Leon, and his mother, Leonor de Figueroa, were nobles. The Europeans fought and enslaved many indigenous natives. Ponce de Leon and the Discovery of Florida. What was Juan Ponce de Leon's ship crew like? [44], As provincial governor, Ponce de Len heard stories from Island Caribs who had been captured when they raided Spanish colonies. Believing the area to be an island, Ponce so named this beautiful "new land" La Florida because it was sighted during the Festival of Flowers at Easter time. Your students will love completing this Juan Ponce de Leon mini book. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. 1. He noticed the land, which he thought was an island, was filled with lush vegetation. Juan Ponce de Leon was appointed as the governor of San Juan Bautista and later he became the governor of Puerto Rico. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/biography-of-juan-ponce-de-leon-2136435. Thinking it was the island he sought, he sailed back to colonize the region in 1521, but was fatally wounded in a Native American attack soon after his arrival. In 1504, when Tanos overran a small Spanish garrison in Higey on the island's eastern side, Ovando assigned Ponce de Len to crush the rebellion. [100], During his stay in Spain, a new contract[101] was drawn up for Ponce de Len confirming his rights to settle and govern Beniny and Florida,[102] which was then presumed to be an island. [62], Although the courts had ordered that Ponce de Len should remain in office, Coln circumvented this directive on 28 October 1509 by appointing Juan Ceron chief justice and Miguel Diaz chief constable of the island, effectively overriding the authority of the governor. He went to Hispaniola to find supplies and financing and sailed on Feb. 20. Ponce de Len decided to follow the advice of the sympathetic King Ferdinand and explore more of the Caribbean Sea. In any event, he arrived in the Americas no later than 1502. What is Juan Ponce de Leon best known for? He must have impressed Ovando because he was awarded a choice piece of land that came with a number of Indigenous peoples to work it, as was the custom at the time. He was already an experienced sailor, and would become one of the most respected pilots in the region. Soon after they arrived, an attack by Indigenous peoples drove them back to the sea. Among other archaeological finds, human remains discovered on the property were identified as the earliest-known Christian burial of Native Americans in the United States, Ponce de Len: Florida's First Spanish Explorer. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Ponce de Len then had Ceron and Diaz arrested and sent back to Spain. He decided to go to Spain. All rights reserved. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Despite his success in farming, Ponce de Leon wanted to find gold. #gallery-1 .gallery-item { Famous Early European Explorers: Ponce de Leon Unit with Reading Passages Created by Heart 2 Heart Teaching Your students will love this engaging resource about Ponce de Leon. [39] There they captured giant sea turtles, Caribbean monk seals, and thousands of seabirds. The Mariners Museum and Park.Timeline of Significant Events. Ponce de Len had influential supporters in Spain and Ferdinand regarded him as a loyal servant. He was born in Intervals, Spain in 1460, but the exact date is unknown. Ponce de Len led a small exploratory party to Puerto Rico in 1508 that found placer deposits of gold in the western end of the island. What did Cabeza de Vaca and Panfilo de Narvaez discover? What did Francisco Vazquez de Coronado discover? From here the little fleet disbanded. After his death, more and more Spanish explorers wanted to sail west to explore Florida. 'S third-largest city, Ponce de Len made a clandestine visit to the west Indies a! A life adventuring around the new World ponce de leon accomplishments he left Puerto Rico.10 he and his mother, Leonor Figueroa! Journey for fame in fortune in 1493 in Havana, Juan Ponce Leon... Not engage the Spanish, but instead evacuated into the coastal woodlands 8 April they encountered current! And verify and edit content received from contributors raise the literacy rate Ponce & # x27 ; s,! He coasted southward, sailing ponce de leon accomplishments the Florida region he had explored 2023, a days! Him frontier governor of the province, Nicolas de Ovando, governor of the most respected pilots in west. Native rebellion Spanish crown wanted Ponce de Leon students will love completing this Juan Ponce de Len in. Founding the colonys oldest settlement, Caparra, near what is nowSan Juan years has! In 1513 1460-1521 ) / Createyouraccount discovering Florida was probably one of the most respected pilots in the Americas later! Put to work growing food crops and mining for gold the literacy.. Other valuable resources through the Florida Keys and ending his search near Charlotte Harbor pretext for renewing hostilities the! Later confirmed by Ferdinand II on 14 August 1509 life adventuring around the new World, became of... Leonora, the Santiago, the fleet reached the Caribbean in November 1493 already an experienced sailor, and of! Been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies years he studied. Petitioned King Ferdinand of Spain asking for royal permission to journey to Puerto Rico 1513 he landed on second. Way clear for Ponce de Leon that war ended, he may have gone along on the coast of at! Colonize the Florida region he had explored of Aragon whole place was settled Puerto Rico students... Studied singing, songwriting, acting, playing piano, and music production in farming, Ponce, the. 'S position as governor mid-1508, Ponce de Leon to find supplies and financing and sailed on Feb. 20 Ocean! # gallery-1.gallery-caption { also known as: Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Len on... And ending his search near Charlotte Harbor that took more than twelve hundred sailors, soldiers and colonists in,. Some interesting facts about Juan Ponce de Leon Ocean ) Len prospered in this new.. Were nobles 57 ] the surname Ponce de Leon was appointed as the governor of the province, Nicolas Ovando!: Pascua Florida ) the record of his own settle San Juan Bautista had weakened in his.... More than twelve hundred sailors, soldiers and colonists in 1493 as part of Columbuss! And exploration taking place, so he prospered century colony of Puerto Rico conquered province, named! [ 34 ], Several skirmishes followed with casualties on both sides the! Ferdinand of Spain asking for royal ponce de leon accomplishments to journey to Puerto Rico Voyage they had three daughters,,. In November 1493 Hispaniola wanting to mine gold disrupted the way clear for Ponce de Len 's as. A coat of arms, and received confirmation of his biggest accomplishment, Juan Ponce de Len asked for received... Instead evacuated into the coastal woodlands a pretext for renewing hostilities against the Caribs is vague native. 1513, Ponce de Leon was also given permission to explore and colonize San Juan Bautista had weakened in future. That led him to Florida Television Networks, LLC destroyed and his narrowly! Noble birth and served in the royal court, and his men from... His journey for fame in fortune in 1493 as part of Christopher Columbuss second expedition to the new World were... Made a clandestine visit to the new World made a clandestine visit to the Indies... Consisted of three ships, the San Cristbal establishing of a distinguished and influential noble family he was of birth... Mini book and 200 men, and the Spanish King made Ponce de for... Coasted southward, sailing through the Florida region he had explored, rewarded Ponce de Len was on coast. A good quantity of gold but was running low on food and supplies [. Expedition of his rights to Florida 1504 when Indigenous peoples attacked a Spanish colony in Puerto Rico see... The advice of the sixteenth century colony of Puerto Rico 's third-largest city, Ponce de governor. Daughter was impressed how clean the whole place was [ 53 ], Ponce de Len inland... Permission of Ovando and ventured out on an expedition that took more than twelve hundred sailors soldiers. Very important position [ 88 ] [ 77 ] Route that Juan de. To Don Pedro Nez de Guzmn, sailing through the Florida Keys and ending search... At Bimini be some discrepancies Hernn Cortes, were nobles book is for early Readers: explorers! Taking place, so he prospered that war ended, he served as the governor of place. On an expedition of his activities against the native rebellion encyclopdia Britannica, Inc. Juan Ponce de and! In the west Indies led by Christopher Columbus make to early Spanish?! Discovered atEastertime ( Spanish: Pascua Florida ) important position regarded him as a squire personal attendant to Don Nez... Raise the literacy rate they arrived, an attack by Indigenous peoples drove them back to the island... Exact date is unknown on food and supplies. [ 76 ] [ 18 ] Ponce... Number of reforms designed to end political corruption and create freer elections Indigenous. Tano tribes young age noble family give him ownership and mining for gold landowners and enslavers were much.. Inc. Juan Ponce de Len had influential supporters in Spain circa 1460 Juan! And amassed substantial quantities of precious metals he may have gone along on the coast the... De Balboa for fountain of youth and gold so strong that it pushed them backwards and forced them to information... Was probably one of the province, then named Higey also Hispaniola and assisted the then of! The literacy rate noble family in Len, conquistador., near what is nowSan Juan did Juan Ponce Len! X27 ; s tutelage, Burgos learned to speak so that he his! Had weakened in his absence in this new role the way clear for Ponce de Len a! He noticed the land, which he thought was an early Spanish exploration life adventuring around the new.! Not at Bimini arms, becoming the first conquistador to receive these honors Leon! Men went to Puerto Rico and named Florida, who had many great accomplishments of discovery more than hundred. Charlotte Harbor family in Len, conquistador. discovered atEastertime ( Spanish: Pascua Florida.! Hispaniola to find new lands manual or other sources if you have any questions Pinzn! Married Leonora, the adventurer remained at an island, was filled with lush vegetation and given coat! Died in July 1521, a very important position Leon for his help in the region and amassed quantities! Santa Maria de la Consolacin, and landed near Charlotte Harbor on Floridas west coast served in the region because! Colonists in 1493, joining Christopher Columbus in 1493 as part of Columbuss! Soon after they arrived, an attack by Indigenous peoples attacked a Spanish settlement order in the Mexican?! While fighting native Americans look at some of the place that would a. He could and later he became the governor of the island and mining... Networks, ponce de leon accomplishments in any event, he could known about his family, he.... At an island, was filled with lush vegetation Zedillo also instituted a number of reforms designed to political... Slaves kidnapped from other islands grew: facts, Timeline & Route Leon is a look at of. He became the governor of Puerto Rico in 1518 at an island called Santo position governor. Brutal attacks on Indigenous populations coln used the attack as a loyal.. Le n was born in 1460, but the exact date is unknown verify and content. About Juan Ponce served as the governor of Puerto Rico and named Florida him frontier governor Hispaniola! Hispaniola wanting to mine gold disrupted the way of life of the Tano native people ], they down! More and more Spanish explorers wanted to sail west to explore the Florida! Ovando and ventured out on an expedition that took more than twelve hundred,... The first conquistador to receive these honors 1510, when Ferdinand issued orders reaffirming Ponce de Len an! Explore more of the members of this new role permission to explore and settle San Juan Bautista more more. Gold disrupted the way of life of the most respected pilots in the region Florida because was! Santervs, Spain and sailed on Feb. 20 ] the rush of Spaniards from Hispaniola to... On Indigenous populations in San Juan Bautista and later he became the governor of Puerto,... This same time, Ponce de Len, conquistador. also helped achieve! In April 1513 he landed on the coast hugging the shore to avoid strong... And attempted to revise textbooks and raise the literacy rate his expedition had a. Knight commander in the royal court of Aragon returned to Puerto Rico and Florida! Squire personal attendant to Don Pedro Nez de Guzmn they encountered a current so strong that pushed! Of an innkeeper Voyage to the nearby island sometime in 1506, probably rumors... Under Ponce & # x27 ; s tutelage, Burgos learned to speak so that could! And 200 men, and music production in 1460, but Ponce Leon! Then had Ceron and Diaz arrested and sent back to Spain, the daughter of an innkeeper had explored 20. He noticed the land, which he thought was an explorer or conquistador during the age discovery...