Use the interactive explorers exhibit to determine if each statement is fact or fiction.
Christopher Columbus actually believed he had sailed to Asia. Instead, he ailed to the continent of North America.
- Fact
- Fiction
The journey of Christopher Columbus in 1492 was not very impactful in the history of colonization of the New World.
- Fact
- Fiction
Prince Henry was the first European explorer to sail from Europe to India.
- Fact
- Fiction
Vasco Nunez de Balboa declared the entire Atlantic Ocean for Spain.
- Fact
- Fiction
Hernando de Soto would become the first European to explore the Mississippi River.
- Fact
- Fiction
Hernando Cortes conquered the Aztec people and claimed Mexico for Spain.
- Fact
- Fiction
Jacques Cartier established the first permanent French settlement in the New World at Quebec.
- Fact
- Fiction
John Cabot's explorations resulted in England's claim to Canada.
- Fact
- Fiction
Sir Francis Drake was a British explorer who circumnavigated the world and pirated Spanish treasure ships.
- Fact
- Fiction
Ponce de Leon's explorations resulted in the first permanent Spanish settlement in the New World at New Orleans.
- Fact
- Fiction
Spices were a key reason why European rules wanted to send explorers to North America.
- Fact
- Fiction
French explorers would eventually find the Northwest Passage.
- Fact
- Fiction
Francisco Vazquez de Coronado was the first European explorer to view the Seven Cities of Cibola.
- Fact
- Fiction
In looking for the Northwest Passage, Giovanni da Verrazano explored much of the east coast of what is now America.
- Fact
- Fiction
Porcleain, paper money, coal, and gunpowder were among the wonders that Marco Polo wrote about during his time in China.
- Fact
- Fiction