Books with title Juan Ponce de Leon: First Explorer of Florida and First Governor of Puerto Rico

While he is now primarily associated with the quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Len was not merely involved in this fruitless search. A powerful figure in the Caribbean, he became the first governor of Puerto Rico. He led the first European expedition to Florida and was responsible for giving the state its name. The title discusses Ponce de Lens treatment of Native Americans and the issues with crediting him with the discovery of Florida despite the Native Americans already living there and the possibility of earlier visits by Spanish slave-taking expeditions.

This book is suitable for ages 8-14. Famous for his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon is credited with the discovery of Florida in 1513, as well as making Puerto Rico and the Gulf Stream known to the Spanish world. This sensitively written new book describes his encounters with the Calusa, the native inhabitants of Florida, and the Taino, natives of Puerto Rico. Young readers will enjoy reading about life at sea and the hardships faced by his crew. A recipe from the period is also included. The topics include: Ponce de Leon's life, from a page, to a squire, to Governor of a plantation; his military successes; his motivation for seeking to settle the New World; his discoveries of Florida and of The Tortugas; his plantation Cassava, and its role in future trade routes; the relationships he had with Native Americans: aid from the Taino Indians in farming, and the repulsion by the Calusa Natives from the Florida coast; life at sea for Ponce de Leon and his crew; a recipe for Cassava bread.

While he is now primarily associated with the quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Len was not merely involved in this fruitless search. A powerful figure in the Caribbean, he became the first governor of Puerto Rico. He led the first European expedition to Florida and was responsible for giving the state its name. The title discusses Ponce de Lens treatment of Native Americans and the issues with crediting him with the discovery of Florida despite the Native Americans already living there and the possibility of earlier visits by Spanish slave-taking expeditions.