CHILDHOOD OF WORLD FIGURES Christopher Columbus was born in Italy in 1451. His father was a weaver, but like most young men living near a seaport, Columbus looked to the sea to find his calling. In 1477, after serving as a messenger and sailor on many ships, Columbus settled in Portugal. It was there he first tried to gain support for his dream of reaching Asia by sailing west. It wasn't until nearly fifteen years later that Columbus gained support from Spain and set out on the momentous expedition that landed him in the Americas in 1492. Christopher Columbus is considered one of the world's most famous explorers. This fascinating biography details Columbus's childhood, which shaped his adventurous spirit.