When did Columbus’ journey to the New World begin? How did it progress?

               Columbus’s fleet set out on a voyage from the Spanish port of Palos de Fontera on Friday 3rd August, 1492. After passing through the Straits of Gibraltar, the ships sailed directly to the Canary Islands, where they arrived on 8th August. They went further to the west.

               By 16th September, the convoy reached the Sargasso Sea. The fleet did not see land for many days, and Columbus became dispirited. The early part of the voyage was uneventful.

               But on 12th October, they reached an island, which was inhabited. The island was a natural beauty, immensely blessed with flora and fauna. Columbus named the island ‘San Salvador’. San Salvador was a small island; the islanders indicated that there were other larger islands.

               Columbus noticed that many of the natives were wearing gold ornaments. He captured a few of the natives, and kept them in captivity. He insisted that they guide him to the source of their gold. Columbus also landed on the northeast coast of Cuba on 28th October. On his way to Cuba, he also passed the island of Rum Cay. Later, he also explored the Long Island.