Question:
Who discovered America? I’ve heard it disputed that Columbus discovered America, as it is said that he only discovered the West Indies.
Answer:
We interpret this question as asking which European discovered America, considering that there was already an established population of indigenous peoples of Asiatic descent in the region.
The West Indies are part of America, serving as extensions, or spurs, of the continent. Columbus’ discovery brought attention to the continent and opened the way for future explorers. However, it is essential to note that Columbus was not the first person to discover America. Historical records from the Chinese “Year Books” indicate that there were explorations of the west coast of America as early as A.D. 432, 464, and 499.
The first European on record to see the shores of this continent was Bjarni, a Norwegian, in 995. Leif the Lucky, the son of Erik, established a colony in Greenland in 983 and returned with Bjarni in 1000. He named Newfoundland “Flatland,” Nova Scotia “Woodland,” and New England “Vinland.” In 1170, Madoc, a prince of Wales, likely visited this continent, followed by Niccolo Zeno in 1380. Columbus was likely the next notable explorer to arrive.
