Giovanni Verrazzano

Giovanni Verrazzano was an Italian explorer in the early 16th century, known for being the first European to explore the East Coast of North America. Born around 1485, he sailed under the French flag and made significant voyages between 1524 and 1528. His most notable achievement was his journey to present-day New York Harbor, where he identified landmarks like the Hudson River. Verrazzano’s explorations helped map parts of the coastline, contributing to European understanding of North America and its resources, although he faced challenges and ultimately met a tragic end in the Caribbean.