Juan Ponce de LeonBy Mac Oberschelp and Connor Pike

Background

Born in Santervas de Campos, Spain, in 1474, Juan Ponce de Leon was undoubtedly one of the most influential explorers in Spanish history. Ponce’s famous expedition to Florida (which he discovered), efforts as a soldier fighting in the Spanish Campaigns, and association with the Fountain of Youth all contributed to Ponce being appointed as the first governor of Puerto Rico. Ponce served two 4-year terms as governor and died in Havanna, Cuba in 1521, after an attack on his last voyage to Florida.

Why?

Juan Ponce de Leon’s first expedition was the one in which he founded Florida. Ponce named this land “La Florida” because of its abundance of flowers. This discovery was purely out of luck as his only intentions were to find the folkloric “Fountain of Youth,” which was a common European myth during the 15th and 16th century. The “Fountain of Youth” is a nonexistent spring that has the capability of restoring the youth of those who drink out of it.

Route

As exhibited in the map, Ponce de Leon’s route began in Puerto Rico and extended to San Salvador and then to the Bahamas. From there, Ponce traveled to the East coast of Florida in search of the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon chose this route because it was the safest and most efficient route possible. On this journey, Ponce de Leon was unsuccessful in finding the Fountain of Youth, but in the process he founded America’s beloved Florida.

Fin nces

Ponce de Leon was far from destitute. He had acquired many political ties and ties with noble families that he was more than capable of financing his own trip. Ponce ultimately sponsored his own trip and brought three ships (Santiago, San Cristobal, and the Santa Maria) and well over 200 men along with him. The majority of the men that were brought on the voyage were scholars, so they could be of assistance in choosing the best route possible as well as for defense against any possible armadas. The abundance of people present also helped validate Ponce as the founder of Florida.

Importance

As mentioned earlier, Juan Ponce de Leon discovered one of the United States most prestigious and densely populated states. His exploration not only did he discover the state of Florida, but he proved that in reality, the “Fountain of Youth” is just a legend.

References

"Ponce De León : Florida's First Spanish Explorer." Ponce De León : Florida's First Spanish Explorer. Web. 03 May 2013.

"Juan Ponce De León Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, Web. 03 May 2013.

"Juan Ponce De Leon: Explorer - EnchantedLearning.com." Juan Ponce De Leon: Explorer - EnchantedLearning.com. Web. 03 May 2013.