Columbus Day

Aug 3, 1492

The Niña, Pinta and the Santa María sail from Palos, Spain.

Aug 12

The ships reach the Canary Islands and stay there until Sept 6.

Sept 9

Sailing westward, the ships loose sight of land at nightfall.

Sept 30

Ships complete 3 weeks travel with no sight of land. This is the longest journey made with no sight of land.

Oct 7

A mistaken shout of "Land Ho" brings great disappointment.

Oct 10

Sailors are on the point of mutiny, but agree to sail on for 2 or 3 more days.

Oct 12

Columbus discovers America when land is sighted. He goes ashore on San Salvador (Watlings Island) in the Bahamas.

Dec 24

Columbus' flagship, the Santa María is wrecked off Cap Haïtien.

Jan 16, 1493

The Niña and Pinta begin their homeward voyage. Columbus is aboard the Niña.

Feb 8

The 2 ships are hit by strong headwinds.

Feb 12

A storm threatens the Niña.

Feb 13-14

The 2 ships are separated by the storm

Feb 15

The Niña arrives at Santa María island in the Azores and waits 10 days before leaving without the Pinta.

March 3

The Niña arrives at Lisbon and stays there 10 days.

March 15

The Niña returns to its home port, Palos. The Pinta arrives there a few hours later.