Juan Ponce De Leon
A painting of Juan Ponce De Leon.
Juan Ponce De Leon was born around 1460. He lived in the country of Spain. As a boy, Ponce de Leon worked as a messenger in the royal court, as he grew into a young man, he became a soldier and fought many battles. Ponce de Leon lived during a time of great discoveries. Ponce De Leon wanted to be part of these great discoveries. He set sail with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage from Spain to the New World, in 1493. Ponce de Leon didn't return to Spain with Columbus; he stayed behind on the island known today as the Dominican Republic. Ponce de Leon heard that gold had been found, and he set sail in search for gold and lands to conquer for Spain. He discovered the island known today as Puerto Rico. He claimed Puerto Rico for Spain. The king of Spain was happy that Ponce de Leon found land and gold for Spain. The king named Ponce De Leon the governor of Puerto Rico. A governor is someone in charge of the territory or colony. Ponce de Leon heard stories from the Native Americans about a "Fountain of Youth." Ponce de Leon told the king of Spain about this fountain, and the king gave Ponce de Leon ships and men to find it. In 1513, Ponce de Leon began searching for the Fountain of Youth. Ponce de Leon never discovered the Fountain of Youth, however, he did discover a new land. This land had many, many flowers, Ponce de Leon named this new land, "Florida" which means the land of flowers.
Source: Kline, T. (2002). Ponce de Leon. Florida: Rourke Publishing, LLC.
Source: Kline, T. (2002). Ponce de Leon. Florida: Rourke Publishing, LLC.