America

Name derived from Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian who in 1499 visited the western continent. The North men are believed to have coasted from Labrador to Rhode Island ab. 1003. Columbus reached the West Indies 1492, and on his third voyage discovered S. America near the mouth of the Orinoco 1498, and Honduras on his fourth voyage 1502. John Cabot probably touched N. America 1497. Balboa cro ed the Isthmus of Darien 1513. The coast of Brazil was explored by Pinzon and Diego de Lepe 1500, and soon after reached by the Portuguese Pedro Alvarez de Cabral, who was on his way to India around Good Hope. Magellan sailed to the west side of S. America 1520.