Juan Ponce de LeonGail Luster and Dan Pletz

Period 5

Juan Ponce de LeonHe was born in 1460 in Spain and was the first explorer to discover the region today known as Florida. He was born into a noble family and soon after became a soldier. His exploration period began after Christopher Columbus’s journey to the New World.

Why?The goal of Juan Ponce de Leon’s expedition

was to attempt to find the Fountain of Youth. There was a myth that the water from it would keep one’s soul young. He also planned to find wealth.

The JourneyPonce de Leon and his crew set off sailing

towards the island of Bimini. He set off in search of wealth the Fountain of Youth which he heard could be found there. It was important because he heard the fountain could heal sickness and restore youth.

FinancesJuan Ponce de Leon was permitted by the king

to set off on his voyage if he could cover his costs. He was supported by a cosmetic company called Revlon. On his journey, he brought tools, farm animals, and settlers for when they arrived. By bringing items necessary for settling, they were able to settle on the new land.

ImportanceThe expedition for the Fountain of Youth was

important not for the fountain which was just mythical, but for the riches they discovered on the journey. During the time, when it was thought that he landed on another island, he actually was on the coast of North America and named the land Florida. Although the journey was initially for riches and the fountain of youth, it resulted in the most important part of discovering Florida.