Christopher Columbus was the first European to land in America, right? Wrong. He was, in fact, the Viking Leif Erikson. He was born in Iceland to Erik the Red and moved to Greenland during his childhood. Erikson's first major trip was to Norway. His most important voyage, however, was the return trip to Greenland where he found North America, but at that time called the place “Vinland”. After founding Vinland, he never returned and remained in Greenland. There is also a holiday named after Leif Erikson. Leif Erikson, also known as Leif the Lucky, was born to Erik the Red in Iceland a few years before the year 1000 AD Many say that exploration was in Leif's blood, because his father was the first founder of Greenland. He explored a lot as a child and more as an adult. He went on many different journeys growing up because that's what his father did. His first solo trip was to Norway. Leif Erikson was twenty-four years old when he went from Greenland to Norway, it was the first time he had sailed and captained a voyage. The purpose of the journey was to bring gifts to King Olaf. Leif brought with him a crew of fourteen men. The journey was exceptionally slow. After five days they saw Iceland. Sailors usually saw Iceland in just two days. It took many days to get to Norway, the crew also ended up on small islands called Herbrides. On one of the islands, Leif conceived a son with the daughter of the Lord of the Island. His name was Thorgils and he is one of two sons confirmed to be Leif's. A few days later Leif and his crew arrived in Norway. After reaching Norway, King Olaf converted Leif to Christianity and persuaded him to spread the religion to Greenland. There are two stories about Leif Erikson discovering the New... middle of paper... but Erikson was the first European to actually discover the New World. Leif never returned after that visit. His discovery was great, though. He led a life that many people remember. He was an excellent explorer who discovered the New World. Works cited by the BBC. "Leif Erickson (11th century)." BBC News. BBC, 2013. Web. 24 October 2013. Weitemier, Kevin A. “Leif Erikson.” Leif Erikson. Np, 1997. Web. October 24, 2013. A&E Television Networks. "Biography of Leif Eriksson." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, 1996-2013. Network. October 24, 2013. A&E Television Networks. "Leif Eriksson." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 1996-2013. Network. October 24. 2013. .