What was Ponce de Leon searching for when he landed on the coast of modern-day Florida?

Ponce de Leon is most famously associated with the search for the Fountain of Youth when he landed on the coast of modern-day Florida. This legendary spring was believed to restore youth and vitality to those who drank from it. De Leon's exploration in the early 16th century was fueled by tales of this mystical water, which was rumored to be located in the New World. While he was also interested in the potential for wealth and land, as were many explorers of his time, his specific quest in this instance was primarily focused on the Fountain of Youth, a narrative that has become intertwined with his legacy.

In contrast, searching for gold, the Northwest Passage, or new trade routes were more common motivations for many explorers during this period. These goals were often driven by economic interests and the desire to expand empires, but in Ponce de Leon's case, the legend of the Fountain of Youth distinctly shaped his journey and the historical memory of his expeditions.