1460: Born in Santervás de Campos, Spain.
1493: Accompanies Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas.
1502: Leads an expedition to explore the coast of Puerto Rico.
1508: Founds the settlement of Caparra on the island of Puerto Rico.
1512: Returns to Spain and is appointed governor of Puerto Rico.
1513: Leads an expedition to explore the coast of Florida.
1514: Leaves Florida and returns to Puerto Rico.
1519: Leads a second expedition to Florida.
1521: Dies of wounds sustained in a battle with the Calusa Indians.
1522: His body is returned to Puerto Rico and buried in San Juan.