Reading Columbus's Letters from 1493 — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.3.3-5
D2.HIS.6.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores Christopher Columbus's 1493 letters, one of the earliest primary sources describing the Americas from a European viewpoint. Students will learn about Columbus's journey, his writings to Spain, and the impact of his discoveries on both Europe and the Native peoples. The passage features simple vocabulary, concrete examples, and two authentic quotes from Columbus's letter, helping students build foundational literacy skills alongside history content. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer to compare European and Native perspectives. The resource also includes a Spanish translation of the passage and is aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards (D2.His.3.3-5, D2.His.6.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2). Audio read-aloud and a public domain image enhance accessibility and engagement. This resource is ideal for teaching about early colonial encounters and primary sources in the classroom.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Columbus's letter on the first voyage" by Christopher Columbus /
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. He wanted to find a faster way to Asia for Spain. Instead, he landed on islands that are now called the Bahamas. Columbus met people living there. He called them Indians because he thought he was in Asia.

When Columbus returned to Spain, he wrote a letter to the king and queen. This letter is one of the first written reports about the Americas. In his letter, Columbus described the land and the people he saw. He wrote, “I found many islands filled with people.” He told the king and queen about new plants, animals, and gold. Columbus wrote, "The people here are very gentle and without knowledge of arms."

Columbus’s letter was important. It was shared all over Europe. People became excited about the new lands. Many wanted to travel to the Americas. They hoped to find riches and new places to live. Columbus’s letter helped start more exploration and settlement in the New World.

The letter shows how Columbus saw the land and its people from a European view. He thought the land would be good for farming and building towns. The letter also shows that Columbus did not understand the Native peoples’ ways. He wrote about claiming land for Spain, but the Native peoples already lived there and had their own culture.

Columbus’s letter changed history. It made Spain and other countries want to send more ships. This brought many changes for Native peoples. New animals and plants came to the Americas. Many Native people lost their land and faced hard times.

Columbus’s letter is a primary source. It lets us read his own words and learn what he saw and felt. Historians use letters like this to study the past. They also read other sources to learn about Native peoples' perspectives.

Interesting Fact: Columbus’s letter was printed and read by thousands of people across Europe in 1493, making it one of the first “news stories” about the Americas.

What year did Columbus sail?

1492177616071519

Where did Columbus land first?

BahamasSpainAsiaFlorida

Who did Columbus write his letter to?

King and queenHis familyNative peopleSailors

What effect did Columbus’s letter have?

Started more explorationStopped all sailingMade people afraidBuilt new ships

Why did Columbus call the people Indians?

He thought he was in AsiaThey wore feathersThey built shipsHe liked the name

What is a primary source?

A document from the timeA made-up storyA new lawA future plan