Christopher Columbus History: May 20, 1506 - Christopher Columbus, explorer, dies in poverty, in Spain at 55 September 18, 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Costa Rica on his 4th and last voyage August 1, 1498 - Christopher Columbus lands on "Isla Santa" near Venezuela July 31, 1498 - Christopher Columbus discovers island of Trinidad May 4, 1494 - Christopher Columbus lands in Jamaica November 19, 1493 - Christopher Columbus discovers Puerto Rico, on his 2nd voyage November 3, 1493 - Christopher Columbus discovers island of Dominica October 30, 1493 - Christopher Columbus discovers island of Dominica March 15, 1493 - Christopher Columbus returns to Spain after 1st new world voyage January 9, 1493 - 1st sight of manatees by Christopher Columbus November 15, 1492 - Christopher Columbus notes 1st recorded reference to tobacco November 5, 1492 - Christopher Columbus learns of maize (corn) from Indians of Cuba October 27, 1492 - Christopher Columbus discovers Cuba and claims it for Spain October 25, 1492 - Christopher Columbus and ship Santa Maria land in Dominican Republic April 17, 1492 - Christopher Columbus signs contract with Spain to find Indies
More Notable Events on May 5:
1988 Eugene Marino installed as 1st black U.S. archbishop
1987 Congress begins Iran-Contra hearings
1979 Voyager 1 passes Jupiter
1955 West Germany granted full sovereignty by 3 occupying powers
1944 Gandhi freed from prison