Columbus Day - Learning about Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus, born in Genoa, Italy, believed he could reach the East Indies by sailing west. After many rejections, he secured funding from Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. In 1492, Columbus set sail with three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. After a long journey, they landed in the Bahamas, which Columbus mistakenly thought was the East Indies. Despite never realizing he had discovered a new world, Columbus's voyages paved the way for Spanish colonization in the Americas. His legacy is commemorated annually on Columbus Day.

Where was Christopher Columbus born?

• Paris, France

• Lisbon, Portugal

• Genoa, Italy

• Madrid, Spain

Which monarchs eventually agreed to fund Columbus's journey?

• King John II and Queen Maria

• King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

• King Louis XI and Queen Charlotte

• King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I

What were the names of the three ships Columbus used on his journey?

• The Mayflower, the Beagle, and the Endeavour

• The Victoria, the Golden Hind, and the Discovery

• The Bounty, the Resolution, and the Adventure

• The Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria

On which date did Columbus's crew first spot land?

• October 21st

• October 1st

• October 12th

• October 31st

What did Columbus mistakenly believe he had found upon reaching the Bahamas?

• The lost city of Atlantis

• The East Indies

• A route to Australia

• A new continent