What were the obstacles Ponce de León faced?
Route Taken and Obstacles Faced Juan Ponce de Leon left Cuba to find the fountain that he was told could cure of all illnesses and keep a person young. Throughout each of his voyages Ponce de Leon faced resistance from Native American groups.
Was Ponce de León a failure?
The expedition was deemed a success, and he was named governor of Puerto Rico. Encouraged by his profits, the Spanish crown instructed Ponce de León to continue settlement of the island and step up gold-mining efforts. He soon returned to Puerto Rico, bringing his wife and children.
What happened on Juan Ponce de Leon’s voyage?
Ponce de León in Florida On that first expedition to Florida, Ponce de León explored the coast, including the Florida Keys, and discovered the Gulf Stream, the warm ocean current that would help future Spanish ships maneuver their way home from the New World.
Why did Ponce de Leon think there was a fountain of youth?
He allegedly had also heard of a mythical fountain of youth. Indians spoke of a legendary, magical spring whose water was believed to make older people young again. Ponce de León explored many areas, including the Bahamas and Bimini, for both gold and the mythical fountain, but he never found either.
How did Juan Ponce de León treat the natives?
The Spanish, under Ponce de Leon, made the local natives (called the Tainos) work for them as slaves. They forced the Tainos to farm the land and mine for gold. Between the harsh treatment of the Spanish soldiers and new diseases (like smallpox) brought by the settlers, at least 90% of the Tainos died.
Did Ponce de León enslave natives?
Ponce de Leon served as governor of the Spanish colony of San Juan (modern-day Puerto Rico). There, he was known as a conquistador with a reputation for taking Natives as slaves, said Jerald Milanich, emeritus professor of archaeology at the University of Florida.
What are some fun facts about Juan Ponce de León?
He is the first European to step onto Florida land. He named it Pascal de Florida which means the feast of flowers. Some accounts believe this was because it was Palm Sunday when they had spotted land on April 2, 1513. Other accounts say it was because of the numerous flowers on the land.
What is Ponce de León’s real name?
Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León, (born 1460?, Santervás de Campos, Valladolid, León [Spain]—died 1521, Havana, Cuba), Spanish explorer who founded the first European settlement on Puerto Rico and who is credited with being the first European to reach Florida (1513).
What is the real Fountain of Youth?
The Fountain of Youth & Spring House The myth of the Fountain of Youth is actually a Taino Indian legend about a spring that was said to exist on the island of Bimini and a river, in what became known as Florida that would restore youth to those who bathed in their waters.