John Cabot`s Search for a Northwest Passage

0: John Cabot

1: Bristol, England

Cabot began his journey in Bristol, England. King Henry VII granted him the Matthew, a small ship accompanied with 18 men as the crew.

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2: Cape Brenton Island

After 52 days at sea, Cabot landed in the New World on June 24, 1497. His landing point was around Cape Breton Island or Labrador. Cabot took possession of the land in the name of King Henry VII. Because of the good soil and mild temperatures, Cabot thought he was in Asia. After collecting wood and water, Cabot decided to return home.

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3: Bristol, England

On June 16, 1497 Cabot began his trip and on August 6 returned to his home. He received a hero’s welcome and £10 from the king for having “found the new isle.” Believing he had found Asia, Cabot planned a second voyage in which he would bring back silk and Brazil wood. He also planned on exploring Cipangu, Japan. The king promised him a fleet of 10 ships.

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4: Angmagssalik, Greenland

In May, two ships carrying 300 men left Bristol and in June, Cabot reached the eastern shore of Greenland. He named it Labrador’s Land. Cabot continued exploring northward along the coast but the icebergs became thicker. His crew mutinied and refused to go any further. Cabot turned south and then west.

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5: Baffin Land

Cabot reached Baffin Land and thought he was in Asia. He set off southward in search of Japan. Around the Hudson Strait he bartered with the Indians but received only furs. He continued to explore the coast of Nova Scotia and New England in search of Japan.

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6: Bristol, England

Cabot reached the 38th parallel but could find no sign of the Orient. His ships set course for home where they arrived safely in the fall of 1498. Not long after his return, Cabot died.

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