1492day.year
Christopher Columbus sets sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain.
Christopher Columbus sets sail from Palos de la Frontera with three ships, embarking on his first voyage to the New World.
On August 3rd, 1492, Columbus departed Spain aboard the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María.
Commissioned by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, he sought a westward route to the riches of Asia.
The fleet navigated the Atlantic Ocean with rudimentary maps and the pioneering use of the caravel.
After weeks at sea, this voyage would culminate in the European discovery of the Americas.
Columbus's journey ushered in an era of exploration, colonization, and cultural exchange.
His departure marked the beginning of Spain's transformation into a dominant maritime power.
1492
Christopher Columbus
Palos de la Frontera
1678day.year
Robert LaSalle builds the Le Griffon, the first known ship built on the Great Lakes.
Robert La Salle completes Le Griffon, the first vessel built on North America's Great Lakes, marking a milestone in exploration and trade.
In 1678, French explorer Robert La Salle oversaw the construction of Le Griffon on the shores of Lake Erie. This 45-ton barque became the first known sailing vessel built specifically for service on the Great Lakes. La Salle intended it to carry furs and supplies as he expanded French influence in the interior. Though its ultimate fate remains uncertain, Le Griffon demonstrated the viability of inland maritime routes. The ship paved the way for future exploration, trade, and settlement across the vast lake system.
1678
Robert LaSalle
Le Griffon
Great Lakes
1997day.year
The tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Sky Tower in downtown Auckland, New Zealand, opens after two-and-a-half years of construction.
Auckland's Sky Tower opened in 1997, becoming the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
On August 3, 1997, the Sky Tower officially opened in downtown Auckland, New Zealand. Standing at 328 meters, it surpassed all other structures in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by architect Gordon Moller, the tower serves as a telecommunications hub and tourist attraction. Visitors can ascend via elevators to observation decks for panoramic city and harbor views. The Sky Tower features a revolving restaurant and offers sky-jumping adventures for thrill-seekers. It quickly became an iconic landmark and symbol of Auckland's skyline, drawing millions of visitors annually.
tallest free-standing structure
Sky Tower
Auckland, New Zealand