Ponce de León

Written and Illustrated by Phillip Martin

Ponce de León

Juan Ponce de Leónis believed to have been born in Spain in 1460. He was from a noble family.

He sailed to the New World with Columbus on Christopher’s second voyage in 1493.

Ponce de LeónWhile Columbus returned to Spain, Ponce de Leónsettled on the island of Hispaniola (present day Dominican Republic and Haiti) in Santo Domingo.

It was a good move for the young conquistador. He eventually became the governor of the small province as well as owner of a large land holding.

Santo Domingo

Ponce de LeónWhen Ponce de León heard stories of treasures on a nearby island, he took an army to conquer Borinquen (present day Puerto Rico).

As governor, he enslaved the local people. News of his ruthlessness -- and trouble with the Columbus family -- removed him from the job in 1511.

Next, Ponce de León explored – and conquered – an island in the Bahamas called Bimini.

That’s when he learned the story about the Fountain of Youth. It would keep someone young forever.

Now, in addition to searching for gold, it is rumored Ponce de León searched for the illusive fountain.

Ponce de León

His searching brought him to a new land covered with flowers, so that’s what Ponce de León called it, La Florida. Heactually believed it was an island.

Still, he is credited as the first European to land in Florida, near St. Augustine. And, of course, he claimed it all for Spain in 1513.

Ponce de León searched the east and west coast of Florida. He neither found gold nor that fountain.

He did meet the Calusa people and they were none too friendly with the visitors. In fact, they chased the Europeans away from the area and the explorers fled home.

Ponce de León

Ponce de León wanted to return to this land of flowers. In 1521, along with over 200 settlers, he returned to Florida to start a colony.

The Calusa were still there, and still unfriendly. They attacked the settlers and this time the Spaniards fled to Cuba.

Ponce de León

However, on this attempt, Ponce de León was shot in the thigh with a poisoned arrow.

It was a grave wound. And, Ponce seriously could have used a sip from the Fountain of Youth. As a result of the wound, the conquistador died in Cuba at the age of 61.

Ponce de LeónSurprisingly, there is no record that Ponce de Leon actually searched for the Fountain of Youth.

He mentioned its existence in his memoirs, but he made no reference of looking for it. He most likely

spent his time in search of gold and glory for Spain.

Some say the story was made up by his rivals to discredit his reputation.

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