Founding of La Navidad Settlement
December 25, 1492 · Early Modern
On December 25, 1492, after the Santa María ran aground on a reef off the coast of Hispaniola, Columbus established La Navidad, the first European settlement in the Americas. Using timber from the wrecked ship, he built a small fort and left behind 39 men before departing for Spain with the Niña and Pinta. The settlement was destroyed by the time Columbus returned on his second voyage.
Key Figures
Christopher Columbus
Locations
HispaniolaLa Navidad
Topics
age of discoveryAmericasChristopher Columbuseuropeans
Connected Events — 2 Connections
La Navidad's establishment provided Spain with physical territorial claims that strengthened their negotiating position in dividing New World territories with Portugal Treaty of Tordesillas Divides the New World
Columbus established La Navidad the first European settlement in the Americas on Hispaniola during the same 1492 voyage Columbus Makes First Landfall in the Americas
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