Maryland's First European Explorers: Cabot & Verrazzano

The Chesapeake Bay region—today's Maryland—entered European records through two voyages a decade apart:

John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) — 1498

• English-backed Venetian. Sailed from Bristol on *Matthew* (1497: Newfoundland). 1498 voyage: likely reached Chesapeake Bay mouth (Cape Charles/Cape Henry).
• First documented European to reach the bay. No settlement; claimed for Henry VII.
• Disappeared on return (lost at sea).

Giovanni da Verrazzano — 1524

• French-backed Florentine. Sailed *La Dauphine* for Francis I, seeking Northwest Passage.
• First to *navigate* and *chart* the Chesapeake Bay. Entered the bay, noted its depth, "beautiful" rivers, native villages. Named it "Bay of Santa Maria" (later renamed).
• Continued north to New York Harbor, Narragansett Bay, Maine, Newfoundland.
• Killed by Caribs on 3rd voyage (1528, Guadeloupe).

Why It Matters

• Cabot = **English claim** basis (later Virginia Company charter).
• Verrazzano = **French claim** basis (later New France); first detailed description.
• Neither settled. **First permanent European settlement in Maryland:** St. Mary's City (1634, Leonard Calvert, Ark & Dove).

Two Renaissance navigators, two crowns, one bay—setting the stage for Maryland's colonial duality.