Wednesday, October 10, 1492

Crew on the Santa María clamored for retreat, but the ships sailed on. Unknown to Columbus and crews, they were approaching the eastern side of the Bahamian archipelago. Taínos living in the modern Bahamas were referred to as Lucayans, meaning “island people.” They...

Friday, October 12, 1492

At about 2:00 a.m., a seaman serving lookout on the Pinta shouted that land was to the northwest, and the Pinta’s lombard was discharged. Sailors on the three ships cried, embraced, and sang a hymn to the Virgin Mary for watching over them. The ships quartered...

Sunday, October 14, 1492

Columbus sailed southwest from Guanahaní to search for Japan and gold. The map below—drawn for Encounters Unforeseen—shows the Taíno Caribbean which Columbus would explore, with Taíno names for islands. Before departing Guanahaní, Columbus abducted seven Guanahanían...

Wednesday, October 17, 1492

Columbus wrote his Journal as a report to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. On October 17, he indicated in the Journal that he was sailing in the “Indies” (as he had promised them) and referred to the Taínos as “Indians.” Isabella and Ferdinand approach Barcelona,...