Christopher Columbus Sets Foot on Island of Hispaniola in 1492

Today in Latin American history, Christopher Columbus became the first European to set foot on the island of Hispaniola, now Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in 1492.

Christopher Columbus name the island Española (Hispaniola) meaning “little Spain.”

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Peru allied with Chile against Spain in the Chincha Islands War in 1865

Today in LatAm history, Emperor Pedro II of Brazil who was the second and last ruler of the Empire of Brazil died in 1891

Today in LatAm history, former President of Nicaragua Anastasio Somoza Debayle was born in 1925

Today in LatAm history, Mexican singer & actor Jorge Negrete who is one of the greatest performers died in 1953

Today in LatAm history, Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov who has won multiple Grammy awards was born in 1960

Today in LatAm history, Mexican footballer Ramón Ramírez who played for the National team & C.D. Guadalajara was born in 1969

Today in LatAm history, Uruguayan footballer Marcelo Zalayeta who played for the National team & Juventus F.C. was born in 1978

Today in LatAm history, the Military Junta in Argentina dissolved in 1983