Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. He first sailed to the New World in 1493 during the second voyage of Christopher Columbus. Twenty years later, Ponce de León led three ships to find and explore the island of Bimini. When he arrived, he named it La Florida after the Spanish Festival of Flowers. Many historians believe his landing occurred at St. Augustine. Legend also suggests he was seeking the Fountain of Youth. This statue of the conquistador greets you at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The likeness of Ponce de León is wearing an etched comb morion (helmet) and holding a single-headed battle axe.
