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Where Did Columbus Land?
Aug 30, 2026 4:51 AM

  

Where Did Columbus Land?1

  Landing of Columbus Landing of Columbus, oil on canvas by John Vanderlyn, 1846; in the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. (more) Where Did Columbus Land? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Where-Did-Columbus-Land Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

  External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 17, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Christopher Columbus’s first encounter with the New World occurred on October 12, 1492, when he landed on an island he called San Salvador. The exact location of this island is debated, but many scholars believe it to be present-day San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. However, some evidence indicates that it could be Samana Cay, an island approximately 80 miles (roughly 130 km) southeast of San Salvador. After his initial landing, Columbus continued his voyage, reaching Cuba on October 28, 1492. He mistakenly believed Cuba to be part of the Asian mainland, specifically Cathay (China). Winds next carried Columbus’s fleet ...(100 of 183 words)

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