Christopher Columbus first reached the Americas in 1492. On his maiden voyage, he departed from Spain and landed in the Bahamas, believing he had found a new route to Asia. This historical event initiated European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus's arrival marked the beginning of significant changes for both the indigenous peoples of the Americas and Europe, leading to cultural exchanges and conflicts. His voyages fundamentally altered the course of history, leading to the Age of Exploration and the eventual establishment of European settlements in the New World.