The famous historical explorer who journeyed through the Americas and eventually led Spain's conquests was Christopher Columbus. Financed by the Spanish crown, Columbus set sail in 1492 seeking a westward route to Asia but instead encountered the islands of the Caribbean. His voyages opened the door to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas, initiating profound cultural exchanges and conquest. Columbus’s expeditions are often viewed as a turning point that dramatically altered the course of history for both Europe and the indigenous populations of the Americas.