The Search for a Western Passage c1519 to 1527

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Abstract

The second phase of exploration of what is now Canada lasted from 1519 to 1533. During that period, explorers charted the Atlantic Coast in search of a western passage to Asia. This map shows the routes of four explorers: Fagundes (1519 to 1526), Verrazzano (1524), Gomes (1525) and Rut (1527). The map also shows the extent of territory known to Europeans in the period 1497 to 1650; and the navigation of all exploration routes during the period of maritime exploration between 1497 and 1599. The historical names found on the map are derived from contemporaneous maps and written documents of the period.

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Between 1510 and 1515 the notion of an American continent separate from Asia had gained credibility. France, Portugal, Spain and England now contemplated expeditions in the hope of discovering a passage through this intervening landmass. The earliest official searches along the Atlantic were by Verrazano (1524), Gomez (1525) and John Rut (1527). The first two sailed from south to north and the latter from Labrador to the Caribbean. All three missed the Cabot Strait, but for the first time the entire Atlantic coast from Florida to Labrador appeared on maps. Meanwhile, the Portuguese attempted to secure their claims through colonization. From about 1519 to 1526, João Fagundes explored the coast from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia, and tried to erect a settlement on Cape Breton Island and perhaps a second one in the Bay of Fundy.

Although a western passage, civilizations, gold, spices or other riches had not yet been discovered, hope for future discoveries was still strong. In trying to minimize their failures, expedition leaders made positive comments about rich fishing grounds, vast timber resources, the possibility of procuring furs and slaves, and the existence of more temperate conditions south of Cape Breton Island and mainland Nova Scotia.

Voyages of Exploration

An audio description for each voyage of exploration shown on this map can be accessed from the list below or through the map using Get Statistics.

• 1519 to 1526 João Alvares Fagundes (of Viana, Portugal; for Portugal)
• 1524 Giovanni da Verrazano (of Florence, Italy; for France)
• 1525 Estevao Gomes (of Oporto, Portugal; for Spain)
• 1526 John Rut (of Ratcliffe, England; for England)

The descriptions of the voyages of exploration are based on research by C.E. Heidenreich, Department of Geography, York University. An audio version of each description can be played as the user follows the exploration route made by the explorer on the map.

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