A decade later, he was serving as governor of the eastern province of Hispaniola when he decided to explore a nearby island, which became Puerto Rico. In pursuit of a rumored fountain of youth located on an island known as Bimini , Ponce de León led an expedition to the coast of what is now Florida in 1513.
Where is the real Fountain of Youth?
The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is legendary, known as the place where Ponce De Leon discovered the healing waters that magically maintain your youthful appearance. Drink from the magical spring’s waters, plus explore many exhibits and historical attractions at the 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
Why did Ponce de Leon want to find the fountain of youth?
No original documents survive from Ponce de Leon’s Florida expedition. There is one theory that Spanish historians, writing long after he died in 1521, may have created the story that he was seeking the fountain to make fun of him because he was an old man who wanted to restore his sexual vigor , Smith says.
Who drank from the Fountain of Youth?
Margaret Baumherdt has been drinking from the fountain since 1967, years before any warning went up. Baumherdt, who is now 88, moved to the area when she was in her early 40s and remembers having to wait in line to drink the water.
Who is Ponce de Leon and what was he seeking?
Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León led a European expedition for gold , which eventually brought him to the southeast coast of what would become the United States. He gave Florida its name and went on to become the first governor of Puerto Rico.
Did they ever find the Fountain of Youth?
Once again, the explorer made no mention of the Fountain of Youth, focusing instead on his desire to settle the land, spread Christianity and discover whether Florida was an island or peninsula. No log of either voyage has survived, and no archaeological footprint has ever been uncovered.
What happens if you drink from the Fountain of Youth?
Augustine, Florida — where some believe Ponce de León came ashore — is the home of the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park. Visitors to the park regularly drink the water that flows from the natural spring located there , but there is no evidence that it has any restorative effects.
Is the Fountain of Youth in the Bible?
Scripture points to the anti-aging properties available to us through God. Psalm 103:5 specifically states that He renews our youth like the eagle. In researching this, I found the following explanation in Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible. ...
Is water the Fountain of Youth?
For thousands of years, people of all countries have been seeking a mythical fountain of youth. ... All the time, this fountain of youth has been right here in our everyday life. Yes – Water is the fountain of youth!
Where does the Fountain of Youth water come from?
The spring issues forth directly from the Floridan aquifer , which lies below ground under much of North Florida. The water contains over 30 minerals and the spring would have been the perfect replenishment site for Juan Ponce de Leon’s ships upon landing on Florida’s shores 500 years ago.
Does the Fountain of Youth make you immortal?
The Fountain of Youth, sometimes known as just the Fountain or the Aqua de Vida, was a legendary spring that reputedly restored the youth or granted immortality to anyone who drank from its waters.
How much is it to get into the Fountain of Youth?
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but keep in mind that same-day tickets must be purchased by 5 p.m. Adult tickets cost $15 at the ticket window or $14 online, and discounts are available for seniors and children 6 to 12. Kids 5 and younger can enter the attraction for free.
What does it mean Fountain of Youth?
Definition of fountain of youth
1 or Fountain of Youth, in stories and legends : a fountain with magic water which when drunk will cause a person to live forever . 2 : a source of the kind of energy or health that young people usually have Exercise is good for you, but it’s not a perfect fountain of youth.
What is an interesting fact about Juan Ponce de Leon?
He is the first European to step onto Florida land . He named it Pascal de Florida which means the feast of flowers. Some accounts believe this was because it was Palm Sunday when they had spotted land on April 2, 1513. Other accounts say it was because of the numerous flowers on the land.
How did Ponce de Leon impact the world?
Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. In 1508–09 he explored and settled Puerto Rico, founding the colony’s oldest settlement, Caparra, near what is now San Juan. He is also credited with being the first European to reach Florida (1513).
