The famous explorer who is often credited with discovering America is Christopher Columbus. He made his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492, landing in the Bahamas, which he believed to be part of Asia. While Columbus's expeditions were significant in establishing contact between Europe and the Americas, it is important to note that indigenous peoples had been living in the Americas for thousands of years prior to his arrival. Columbus's voyages prompted further exploration and ultimately led to the European colonization of the Americas. His legacy is complex, sparking discussions on exploration, colonization, and the impacts on native populations.