Ericsson, Leif

Son of Eric the Red, is said to have furthered the explorations made by his father in Greenland. According to a Norse saga he is said to have been blown off his course in about 1000 and to have found unknown lands to the west, which he named Helluland (Baffin Island), Markland (Labrador), and Vinland, the location of which is uncertain. Other voyages to Markland and Vinland followed and may have continued until the 14th century; but not until the voyage of Columbus did Europe make lasting contact with the New World.

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