'La Isabela' in the
Dominican Republic was the first formal European settlement in the New World.
It was founded by
Christopher Columbus during his second voyage in 1493. This was after discovering that the fort of
La Navidad, which he had constructed during his first trip, had been totally destroyed by the native
Taino aborigines. The settlement was established to search for precious metals
[1].
Later discoveries proved that the
Vikings had established a settlement in the province of Newfoundland, Canada, under the leadership of
Leif Erikson in the 11th century. However, this settlement was abandoned and destroyed shortly afterwards due most likely to fighting with the
Beothuk tribe. Canada would not be visited again by Europeans until
John Cabot's landing in 1497.
References
1.
External links
★ http://www.puertoplataregion.com/isabela.htm