(also known as John Cabot or Zuan Chabotto), was an Italian navigator and explorer. He is best known for his maritime explorations of North America under the sponsorship of King Henry VII of England. Cabot’s voyages led to England’s first claim over northeastern North America, and laid the foundation for England's later colonies and territories in the Americas.
Here are the key events and accomplishments that made John Cabot famous:
Exploration of North America:
- John Cabot set sail from Bristol, England, in May 1497, with a crew of 18 men aboard the Matthew.
- On June 24, 1497, Cabot made landfall in northeastern North America, likely in present-day Newfoundland or Nova Scotia. He believed that he had reached Asia and named the land “Prima Vista” (“First Sight”) and took possession of it for England.
- Although Cabot thought he had reached Asia, his discovery was actually the first confirmed European sighting of mainland North America since the Norse expeditions in the 10th century.
Subsequent Voyages and England’s Claim:
- Cabot returned to England in August 1497, bringing with him news of his discovery. King Henry VII was impressed with Cabot’s findings and granted him a patent for future explorations.
- In 1498, Cabot led a second voyage with five ships but disappeared during the expedition and never returned to Europe.
- Despite his disappearance, Cabot’s discovery gave England its primary claim over northeastern North America, leading to subsequent English expeditions and settlements in the New World.
Recognition and Legacy:
- Cabot’s explorations were groundbreaking for England, as they were the first official and state-sponsored voyages that reached North America.
- He is often considered one of the first major European explorers of North America and is recognized as playing a pivotal role in England’s eventual rise as a colonial power.
- Various places and landmarks in North America bear Cabot’s name, including the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Cabot Strait, which separates Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
- John Cabot’s voyages helped expand European knowledge of the world, laid the foundation for England’s future exploration and settlement in North America, and contributed to the European maritime exploration of the Americas.