Ponce de Leon's quest for the fountain of youth led to the discovery of Florida

and many other unexpected yet significant discoveries. His discoveries helped him to

become a rich man and a brave conquistador.

On March 3, 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon sailed from the island of Puerto Rico with

three ships. After asking King Ferdinand of Spain permission to conquer and settle the

island of Bimini, Ponce de Leon set sail on a quest for a mythical fountain of youth. The

thought of a mythical fountain that was said to give eternal youth to whomever drank

from it, allured the king. Perhaps this was one of the ways Ponce de Leon persuaded the

king into letting him sail on this voyage. Maybe by alluring the king into thinking the

fountain existed, Ponce was able to explore North America. It is very hard to believe for

many people that such an incredible fountain existed. King Ferdinand and Ponce believed

in such a fountain. There are many versions of the legend that refer to this mystical spring,

pool, stream, or river. If one bathed in this water, one's youth was restored. If a whole

new world could be revealed, why not a fountain of youth? After Christopher Columbus

horses, livestock, and other equipment and supplies to establish a colony.16

many undiscovered places, it is very easy to see why many Europeans

theory by bringing treasure from Mexico to the King of Spain using the Gulf Stream. This

in the West Indies. From approximately 1502-1504, he led Spanish forces against the

was called Cautio by the Ais. Of course, the Indian told stories of an elusive fountain, and

guanin, a low-grade gold. There they encountered yet another battle with the Calusa

islands. In April of 1513, Ponce de Leon found Florida. He claimed Florida part of Spain

Ponce's quest for the elusive fountain of youth had come to an end, but the objects

captured one of the attackers to train as an interpreter and guide.9

oranges, and jasmines were in bloom, and the woods were alive with insects and the calls

was the first sign they had seen of Indians. An important discovery, unrecognized by

Some common words found in the essay are:
Juan Ponce, King Ferdinand, Sanibel Island, Puerto Rico, Gulf Stream, America Ponce, Gulf Mexico, Pope Leo, Spain Ponce, ponce de, Cautio Ais, de leon, ponce de leon, fountain youth, juan ponce, juan ponce de, puerto rico, de leon's, ponce de leon's, king ferdinand, de leon /, gulf stream, leon / webcrawler, / webcrawler, leon /,
Approximate Word count = 2310
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)