Juan Ponce de León (explorer)

Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer and conquistador born around 1474. He is best known for leading the first European expedition to Florida in 1513, seeking the legendary Fountain of Youth. Ponce de León played a key role in Spain's early efforts to explore and colonize the Americas, including establishing early settlements in the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. His exploration expanded European knowledge of the New World, although he never found the mythical fountain. Ponce de León's voyages contributed to Spain's colonial ambitions and helped map parts of North America. He died in 1521 during an expedition to Florida.