Estêvão Gomes

Estêvão Gomes, also known as Esteban Gómez, was a notable Portuguese explorer and cartographer born around 1483. His adventurous spirit led him to sail under the Spanish flag in the fleet of the renowned Ferdinand Magellan. However, Gomes made a pivotal decision to desert the expedition upon reaching the Strait of Magellan, returning to Spain in May 1521.

In 1524, Gomes embarked on a significant exploration of the North American coastline, specifically the regions that are now known as New England and Nova Scotia. His journey was instrumental in mapping these areas, contributing to the understanding of the geography of the New World.

One of the most remarkable outcomes of Gomes' expedition was the work of cartographer Diogo Ribeiro, who became the first to accurately depict North America with a continuous coastline stretching from Florida to Nova Scotia. This achievement marked a significant advancement in cartography and exploration during the Age of Discovery.