Christopher Columbus’ Second Voyage: September 9, 1493

On September 9, 1493, Christopher Columbus embarked on his second voyage to the New World, a significant expedition that marked the beginning of sustained European colonization in the Americas. This voyage was far more extensive than his first, reflecting the growing interest and investment of the Spanish Crown in the potential riches of the newly discovered lands.

Background

Following the success of his first voyage in 1492, where Columbus reached the islands of the Caribbean, he returned to Spain with news of his discoveries. The Spanish monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, were eager to capitalize on these new territories. They granted Columbus the authority to organize a second expedition, this time with the explicit goal of establishing a permanent Spanish presence in the New World.

The Fleet

Columbus’ second voyage was significantly larger in scale compared to his initial journey. He set sail from Cádiz, Spain, with a fleet of 17 ships. This armada was equipped not only for exploration but also for colonization. The fleet carried approximately 1,200 to 1,500 people, including soldiers, settlers, priests, and officials, as well as livestock, seeds, and other supplies necessary for establishing colonies.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the second voyage were:

1. Colonization: Establish a permanent settlement in the New World to secure Spanish claims and facilitate further exploration.
2. Exploration: Continue the search for a westward route to Asia and explore more of the Caribbean islands.
3. Conversion: Spread Christianity among the indigenous peoples, a mission supported by the inclusion of several priests in the expedition.

Key Events

• Departure: The fleet departed on September 9, 1493, from Cádiz, Spain.
• Landfall: Columbus first made landfall in the Lesser Antilles, discovering several islands, including Dominica and Guadeloupe.
• Settlement: The fleet eventually reached Hispaniola, where Columbus had left a small contingent during his first voyage. He found the settlement of La Navidad destroyed, prompting the establishment of a new settlement, La Isabela, on the northern coast of the island.

Aftermath and Significance

• Colonial Foundations: The second voyage laid the groundwork for the Spanish colonial empire in the Americas. La Isabela became the first European town in the New World, although it struggled with disease and supply shortages.
• Further Exploration: Columbus continued to explore the Caribbean, discovering Jamaica and parts of the Central American coast.
• Impact on Indigenous Peoples: The arrival of Europeans had profound and often devastating effects on the indigenous populations, including the spread of diseases and the beginning of European domination and exploitation.

Columbus’ second voyage was a pivotal moment in history, marking the transition from exploration to colonization and setting the stage for the extensive European involvement in the Americas that followed.