Ponce de Leon, Juan (1474-1521) - a Spanish adventurer and explorer, he led the first European expedition to reach Florida in 1513. He claimed what he thought was another island for Spain. In 1521 he made a second exploration of Florida with 200 men and enough supplies to establish a colony. Shortly after landing, probably in the vicinity of Charlotte Harbor on the west coast, he and his men were attacked by the local Indians. Although wounded by an arrow, he was able to sail with some of his men to Cuba, where he died.
