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Period: May 26, 1474 to May 26, 1521
Ponce de Leon was born
Ponce de Leon was born in a village called Santervás de Campos learning several languages beside physics, geometry, mathematics and astronomy. -
May 26, 1490
Ponce de Leon in war
Ponce de Leon entered war when he was sixteen as a soldier for Spain after serving as page for a Spanish knight. He also traveled the seas as a privateer, attacking ships that belonged to the enemies. -
May 26, 1493
Ponce de Leon and Christopher Columbus unite!
In 1493 Ponce de León sailed with Christopher Columbus during his second voyage for the new world, along with about 1200 sailors, colonists, and soldiers. -
May 26, 1502
Yes Sir!
In 1502 Ponce de León was ordered to do the task of crushing the native Taínos, who were considered to be enemies in Hispaniola. He was appointed by governor Nicolás de Ovando, to bring order to a colony which was in disarray. Later, Ponce de León was made the governor of the new province Higüey, by Ovando. He got a substantial land grant along with sufficient Indian slaves and workers to farm his new estate. -
May 26, 1505
You may kiss the Bride!
Ponce de León established a new town in Higuey and named it Salvaleon. The same year, he married Leonora, who was the daughter of a hotelkeeper. -
Jun 12, 1508
Digging for Gold
On account of his earlier exploration and stories heard from the native Tainos. Ponce de Leon was sure of the presence of gold on the Boriquen island. In 1508 he got permission for the first official expedition to the island, from Ferdinand11 of Aragon. He left Hispaniolia on June 12th, 1508, along with a small group and eventually anchored in San Juan Bay. He created the first settlement in Purto Rico. -
May 27, 1509
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Ponce de Leon returned to Hispaniolia in 1509 bringing back a good quantity of gold with him. He was given the job as governer of San Juan Bautista and was told to extend the settlement on the island. Later the same year, Juan Ceron was given the job as the chief justice and Miguel Diaz as the chief constable of the island. These appointments were made by Diego Collins, and were meant to override the authority of the governor. -
May 27, 1512
Ponce's Contract
Ponce de Leon was given a contract which outlined his rights and authorities to search on islands. -
May 27, 1514
One second wish
Ponce de León secured a second wish, which gave him the power to make settlements on Islands of Bimini and Florida. He was also knighted and given a personal coat of arms, which made him the first conquistador to receive these great honors. -
May 27, 1521
Good bye good sailor
Ponce de León set out with two ships which consisted of 200 men, including priests, farmers and artis, in order to colonise Florida. He landed on the west coast of Florida along with his ships, but was met by Native American warriors. He suffered very serious injuries in the fight and died in Cuba, in July, 1521.