Christopher Columbus explained to kids

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer who was born in Genoa, Italy in 1451. He is best known for his voyage to the Americas in 1492, when he sailed his ship, the Santa Maria, from Spain to what is now the Bahamas. Columbus then sailed to Cuba and Hispaniola before returning to Spain. Columbus made three more voyages to the Americas, exploring the Caribbean and parts of South and Central America. He also explored the coasts of what are now Venezuela and Colombia. Columbus’s voyages changed the course of history, as he helped to open up the Americas to European exploration and colonization. He also introduced Europeans to new foods, like tomatoes, potatoes, and chili peppers. Columbus died in 1506, but his legacy lives on. Every year, people celebrate Columbus Day on October 12th in the United States, and in many countries around the world.