When it comes to the discovery of America, one name that immediately comes to mind is Christopher Columbus. Columbus, an Italian explorer, embarked on his journey in 1492 with the goal of finding a new trade route to Asia. However, his voyage led to the accidental discovery of the Americas. But what was the name of the ship that Columbus sailed on during this historic journey?

The ship that Columbus sailed on during his discovery of America was called the Santa Maria. The Santa Maria was a carrack, a type of ship commonly used by Europeans during the Age of Exploration. It was the largest of the three ships that Columbus took on his voyage, with a length of around 75 feet.

The Santa Maria played a significant role in Columbus' expedition. It served as Columbus' flagship, meaning it was the vessel that carried the expedition's commander. The ship was equipped with various navigational tools and supplies, making it crucial for the success of the journey.

However, the Santa Maria's journey was not without challenges. On Christmas Eve of 1492, while Columbus and his crew were anchored near present-day Haiti, the ship ran aground and became irreparably damaged. Columbus and his crew were forced to abandon the ship and build a settlement called La Navidad with salvaged materials.

Despite the unfortunate fate of the Santa Maria, Columbus and his crew continued their exploration of the Americas using the remaining two ships, the Niña and the Pinta. They eventually returned to Spain in 1493, completing their historic voyage.

The discovery of America by Christopher Columbus aboard the Santa Maria marked a turning point in history. It paved the way for European colonization of the Americas and forever changed the course of human civilization.

So, the ship in which Columbus discovered America was the Santa Maria. Its name is synonymous with one of the most significant events in world history.

Sign Up