The year 1492 is historically significant for multiple reasons, most notably for Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. Sponsored by Spain, Columbus set sail in August 1492 and arrived in the Bahamas in October, marking the beginning of sustained European exploration and colonization of the Americas. This year signifies a major turning point in global history, leading to significant cultural exchanges, as well as the eventual impact on indigenous populations. The term "Columbian Exchange," referring to the transfer of goods, crops, and populations between the Old and New Worlds, emerged from this pivotal moment in time.