Ponce de Leon Claims Florida
On April 3, 1513, Juan Ponce de León landed on the Florida coast and claimed the area for Spain. He named it La Florida, or “Feast of Flowers,” a reference to the Easter celebration in Spain.
Exploration
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Bandelier National Monument
On February 11, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation establishing Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. The 33,677-acre park protects ancient pueblo structures and is home to a notable Civilian Conservation Corp district.
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Launch of Explorer I
Late in the evening of January 31, 1958, the US launched its first satellite, Explorer I. It was an important milestone in America’s space race with the Soviet Union.
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Start of the California Gold Rush
On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill, beginning the California Gold Rush. Thousands quickly flocked to the area in hopes of striking gold.
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Nellie Bly Begins Record-Setting Trip Around the Globe
On November 14, 1889, Nellie Bly embarked on a trip around the globe, inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days.
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Birth of Explorer James Cook
British explorer and navigator Captain James Cook was born on November 7, 1728 (October 27 in the Old Style calendar), in Marton, Yorkshire, England.
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Creation of First US National Lakeshore
On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation establishing the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior. It was the first national lakeshore in the United States.
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The Mayflower Departs England for America
On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower left England. The Pilgrims braved rough seas and a harsh winter in search of a place to build a community based on their religious beliefs. They reached America and founded the settlement of Plymouth.
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Henry Hudson Sails the Hudson River
On September 12, 1609, explorer Henry Hudson reached the river that would bear his name.
