Discovery of the Strait of Magellan
Geographical discoveryAbout
The discovery of the Strait of Magellan is a pivotal moment in maritime history, marking the first European navigation of a crucial passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1520, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, sailing for Spain, led an expedition through this strait, which is located at the southern tip of South America, separating mainland Chile from the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The strait was initially named Estrecho de Todos los Santos (Strait of All Saints) due to its discovery on November 1, 1520, All Saints' Day. The Strait of Magellan became a significant sailing route, although it was notorious for its challenging navigation due to numerous islands, unpredictable winds, and strong currents. It remained an important passage until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, which offered a much shorter route between the two oceans. The strait's discovery was part of Magellan's broader expedition aimed at reaching the Spice Islands in modern-day Indonesia, marking the first European circumnavigation of the globe. This journey was completed by one of Magellan's ships, the Victoria, under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano in 1522.
