Christopher Columbus, hailed as the European discoverer of America, was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. � In Portugal, he became a master mariner and was determined to reach India by sailing west.
� After eight years of supplication, he received the backing of the Spanish monarchs FERDINAND V and ISABELLA I.� On Oct. 12, 1492, his ships, the Ni�a, Pinta, and Santa Mar�a, reached Watling Island, in the Bahama group; later they touched Cuba and Hispaniola. � He was made an admiral and governor general of all new lands. � In 1493 he set sail with 17 ships, exploring Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands, and founding a colony in Hispaniola. � In 1498 he explored Venezuela, realizing that he had found a continent. � Because of disreputable conditions in Hispaniola, he was replaced as governor in 1500 and returned to Spain in chains. � On his last voyage (1502) he reached Central America. � Although he is considered a master navigator today, he died in 1506 poor and in neglect, almost forgotten.