Polynesian voyagers navigated the Pacific Ocean without compasses or nautical instruments. Using their knowledge of stars, waves, currents, clouds, seaweed and seabird flights, they settled on numerous islands, including Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand. They may have also reached mainland on the Americas—before Christopher Columbus.
St. Augustine and Jamestown were the first European colonies in North America, but many others failed before them. The allure of riches in Mexico and the Yucatán led to numerous failed attempts by others.
The famous "Lost Colony" of Roanoke is well-known, but the stories of these seven failed colonies highlight the dangers early explorers faced, always just one disease, mutiny or storm away from disaster.
After 60 days at sea during his voyage to the New World, Columbus' crew nearly mutinied. He managed to appease them for three more days until they finally sighted land. Learn more.
A small band of religious fundamentalists flee persecution in Europe in the hopes of creating a more godly society, but devastating difficulties await these immigrants in North America.
Unlock this special and stream thousands of hours of acclaimed series, probing documentaries and captivating specials commercial-free in HISTORY Vault.
You received this message because whatiamlooking2find.me2see@blogger.com is subscribed to Inside History email updates. If you DO NOT wish to receive these emails please UNSUBSCRIBE.
