The Santa Maria

The Santa Maria was one of the three ships Christopher Columbus used on his first voyage to the Americas in 1492. It was a large, square-rigged sailing vessel, approximately 90 feet long, built for transatlantic travel. The ship played a crucial role in European exploration, helping establish contact with the New World. Today, it is remembered as a symbol of exploration and discovery, and replicas are displayed in museums to teach about early maritime history. Despite its age, the Santa Maria marked a significant moment in world history by opening up new continents for exploration and eventual colonization.