Christopher Columbus - The Third Voyage

The monarchs financed yet another voyage for Columbus. On May 30, 1498, Columbus set sail with six ships. After a stop at the Canary Islands, three set sail for Hispaniola and three with Columbus at the lead, took a southern route.

On July 31, still searching for China, the great explorer discovered the islands of Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, and Margarita. He thought he spotted yet another island, but actually he discovered the mainland of the South American continent. He returned to Hispaniola on August 31 to find that the inhabitants of the colony were short of food and rebellious. Alarmed at the news, the Spanish monarchs sent a representative to investigate in 1500. Columbus was arrested and sent back to Spain in chains. Arriving in October, he was able to vindicate himself with Ferdinand and Isabella, but never forgot the humiliation of the chains.

  See a map Columbus's third voyage.

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