Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall ?
The exact location of Christopher Columbus' first landfall in the New World in 1492 has been debated for centuries. Columbus' original journal of his first voyage to the New World is lost, and we will likely never know for sure.
Recent theories and recreations of what is known of the first voyage may have landed in present-day San Salvador in the Bahamas, Samana Cay in the Bahamas, Cat Island in the Bahamas, or, possibly Grand Turk.
Proponents of the Grand Turk theory point to similarities between recorded descriptions of the first island and Grand Turk, including that numerous other islands can be seen in the distance and that there is a large natural harbor.
Computer models have re-charted his course, which in some cases indicate an arrival at Grand Turk is possible.
We likely will never know the location of Columbus's first landfall, but the subject is fascinating and important part of our history.
Marker is on Lighthouse Road, on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
