
In 1502, the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus, who is credited with discovering the New World, set out on his fourth and final voyage in the hopes of discovering a western route to Asia. This expedition, however, proved to be his most difficult and ultimately brought about an unexpected turn of events. Columbus and his crew encountered difficult conditions and uncertainty while stranded in Jamaica during their journey. In an amazing turn of events, a lunar eclipse was crucial to their survival. This article explores the fascinating tale of how Christopher Columbus ended up stranded in Jamaica and how he cunningly used the impending lunar eclipse to bargain his way out of this precarious circumstance.
Christopher Columbus’s Stranded Voyage to Jamaica
Ah, the story of Christopher Columbus, the traveler who accidentally discovered America and forever altered the course of human history. What about his less well-known exploits, such as the time he got lost in Jamaica? Yes, it appears that even renowned explorers occasionally find themselves in a sticky situation. Come with me as we examine the events leading up to Columbus’s fateful encounter with a lunar eclipse on his fourth and final voyage.
The Journey: Columbus’s Fourth and Final Voyage
Columbus set out on his fourth and final voyage in 1502, full of hope and a little bit of wanderlust. His goals were to find a western route to the Far East, amass wealth, and perhaps discover a few uncharted territories along the way. Columbus set out in search of glory with three ships: the unassuming-sounding but sturdy Santa Mara de la Victoria, the forgotten-sibling-of-the-Nia, La Capitana, and the tried-and-true Santiago. He had no idea what adventures awaited him.
Stranded in Jamaica: Events leading to the Eclipse
Imagine Columbus’ fleet arriving in Jamaica in 1503; they are exhausted and in need of rest. But alas, luck was not on the side of our brave explorer. The crew needed time to make repairs because the ships were damaged. Days became weeks, and then weeks became months. The crew soon understood they were stranded, and their worry quickly turned to desperation.
Being the resourceful man that he was, Columbus decided to engage in negotiation. By promising that their god would reward their generosity, he persuaded the locals to provide the necessities for his crew. Days again turned into weeks, and food became scarce. As they anxiously awaited word that they would be rescued from this beached purgatory, the crew and the locals’ patience grew thin.
The Superstitious Natives: Response to the Stranded Europeans
Columbus and his crew encountered a mixture of superstition and curiosity as they interacted with Jamaica’s native population. The natives initially viewed them with suspicion because they were unfamiliar with the presence of Europeans. While some perceived them as divine visitors, others thought they were cursed creatures who were to blame for their misfortune.
Ever the diplomat, Columbus used his charm and wit to win over the locals. Through his efforts, he won their confidence and eventually persuaded them to exchange their priceless supplies for insignificant trinkets. The locals were superstitious, but they were also shrewd negotiators, despite their superstition.
Columbus and his crew had no idea that a celestial event would drastically alter their situation. A lunar eclipse illuminated the Jamaican sky on the evening of February 29, 1504, giving the night a sinister glow. The superstitious natives rushed to give Columbus and his crew an abundance of provisions, thinking it was a sign from their gods, in an effort to win their favor.
Columbus and his crew said goodbye to their temporary haven in Jamaica and set sail once more into the unknown, their bellies full and spirits high. The stranded voyage had come to an end, leaving behind a tale of diplomatic skill, resourcefulness, and a dash of lunar good fortune.
But keep in mind that even the most accomplished explorers occasionally become stranded and reliant on the generosity of strangers and the whims of nature. Therefore, the next time you find yourself in a difficult circumstance, just remember Christopher Columbus and his lunar eclipse journey. Who knows, maybe everything will come together for you as well.
Columbus’s Ingenious Plan: Predicting the Lunar Eclipse
When Christopher Columbus and his crew got stuck in Jamaica in 1504, they had a difficult task ahead of them: persuading the locals to keep bringing them food and supplies. Columbus, ever the resourceful traveler, devised a brilliant scheme to astound and impress the locals: he predicted a lunar eclipse.
Columbus had access to almanacs that detailed celestial events and was well-versed in astronomy. He was aware that on February 29, 1504, there would be a lunar eclipse. With this information in hand, he approached the Cacique (chief) in the area and asked to meet with his council.
The Agreement with the Natives: Columbus’s Negotiation Tactics
Columbus took advantage of the upcoming lunar eclipse in his meeting with the tribal council. In retaliation for their lack of cooperation, he informed the council that he had the authority to cause the moon to vanish. He forewarned them that the moon would vanish from the sky on the appointed night if they did not furnish him and his crew with provisions.
Naturally, the locals were dubious at first, but as the predicted date approached, they grew more concerned. Columbus made a show of praying before announcing that he would spare the moon from disappearing as a sign of mercy after sensing their fear and desperation. However, he made it clear that this act of goodwill would only continue if the natives continued to provide the necessary supplies.
The Miracle of the Eclipse: Impact and Resolution
The locals gave the crew an abundance of food and supplies as the night of the lunar eclipse drew near, curious to see if Columbus could truly control the celestial forces. Knowing he had to keep his word, Columbus checked his almanac and correctly predicted when the eclipse would occur.
Columbus acted as though he were in deep prayer that fateful night as the moon started to eclipse, and he dramatically begged the heavens for help. The moon then started to reappear as if by magic. The natives were in awe and fear as they watched this extraordinary event. They instantly knelt at Columbus’ feet, pleading for his pardon and promising to give the crew whatever they required.
The miraculous lunar eclipse not only saved Columbus and his crew from starvation but also secured their safety and well-being during their time in Jamaica.

Shizo Kanakuri’s 1912 Olympic Marathon Finished 54 Years
At the 1912 Olympics, a marathon runner quit and went home to Japan without telling officials and was considered a missing person in Sweden for 50 years. In 1966, he was invited to complete the marathon. His time: 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes, and 20.379 seconds.

Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler incident: Enemy became friends
During WWII, a German pilot spotted an American pilot’s crippled plane in the sky. Tailing it, he noticed that gunner was dead, crew injured, and they posed no threat. Instead of destroying the plane, he led it to safety. 40 years later, the two pilots reunited.

The story of Bill Haast, who lived to be 100 despite his extensive snake venom injections
Bill Haast immunized himself by injecting snake venom into his blood for several years. He holds the Guinness World Record for surviving the most lethal snake bites, having been bitten over 172 times. Bill became known as "Snake Man" around the world and lived for over 100 years.

The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry
Before women were allowed to enroll in medical school, Margaret Ann Bulkley studied medicine and assumed the identity of Dr. James Barry for 56 years while dressing as a man. After 46 years of service as an army doctor officer, her secret was not made public until after her death in 1865.

The 1976 April Fools' Pranks, Planetary Alignment
On April fool's Day, 1976, the BBC convinced many listeners that a special alignment of the planets would temporarily decrease gravity on Earth. Phone lines were flooded with callers who claimed they felt the effects.

Ancient Egyptians Had Pregnancy Tests Over 3500 Years Ago
The ancient Egyptians used a pregnancy test that involved potentially pregnant women peeing on barley and wheat seeds. Plant growth indicated pregnancy: barley for a boy and wheat for a girl. Later tests revealed that pregnant women's urine causes plant growth 70% of the time, whereas non-pregnant women's urine does not.

How Cleveland's Balloonfest in 1986 Turned Into a Public Tragedy
In Cleveland, Ohio, United Way broke the world record by deflating nearly 1.5 million balloons as part of a publicity stunt to raise money. The balloon obstructed a US Coast Guard search for two boaters who were subsequently discovered to have drowned, blocked airport runways, and blocked land and waterways.

History of Treadmill, punishment for prisoners
Treadmills were originally a punishment used to harness human power on a giant wheel used to grind grains, hence the name "treadmill." The History of Treadmill

Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his own life
Vince Coleman, a railway dispatcher, sacrificed his life in order to warn an incoming train of an imminent explosion. His telegraph said “Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye, boys.” He saved 300 lives.

The 1814 London beer flood
In 1814, there was a beer flood in London when a tank containing more than 300,000 gallons ruptured in which 8 people drowned.

Nicholas Winton ‘British Schindler’: Man who rescued 669 Czech children from Nazis
A man named Nicholas Winton saved 669 kids during WWII and lived almost all his life without letting people know.

The true story of Annie Oakley, legendary sharpshooter
Anne Oakley was such a good shooter that she could split a playing card help edge-on, hit dimes thrown into the air, shoot cigarette from her husband's lips, and pierce a playing card thrown into the air before it hit the ground.

The history of Flour sack clothing fashion
After Kansas mill owners found women reused flour sack materials into apparel in the 1920s and 1930s, they started applying patterned designs to give families with more fashionable patterns and material.

Story of Kathrine Switzer: the first woman to run in Boston Marathon
Before women were allowed to run in the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer participated. A race official attempted to forcefully remove her from the race in 1967, but her boyfriend pushed him down. She was the first female finisher who had a numbered entry in the race.

How Sleep Deprivation Was Once Used as Torture
Sleep deprivation, long before modern interrogation techniques, was considered a “clean” and effective form of torture—leaving no physical scars, yet breaking minds with haunting silence. Victims endured days and nights without rest, leading to vivid hallucinations, disorientation, and psychological torment. This article traces the dark history of sleep deprivation as a weapon, examines the science behind its effects on the brain, and shines a light on the painful balance between human endurance and cruelty in the annals of coercion.

Inside The Mysterious Death Of The Famed Gothic Writer Edgar Allan Poe
Hours before his death Edgar Allen Poe was found on the streets of Baltimore. He was incoherent, wearing another man’s clothes, and unable to explain how he got there. The cause of his death is an unsolved mystery.

The Amazing Truth About The German U-Boat That Was Sunk By A Toilet
During WWII, a German captain and an engineer flushed the submarine's high-tech toilet incorrectly, causing the vessel to rapidly fill with water. British planes patrolling the sea attacked them as the submarine was brought to the surface. While many members of the crew were killed in the attack, the captain escaped!

Quaker Oats Fed Children with Radioactive Oatmeal
In the 1940s and 1950s, Quaker Oats and MIT conducted experiments on radioactive iron and calcium-containing cereal. The diet was part of a study to see if the nutrients in Quaker oatmeal traveled throughout the body. In January 1998, a $1.85 million settlement was reached for 30 victims who came forward.

Poto And Cabengo: The Secret Language Of Twins
Poto and Cabengo, as the two girls called each other, communicated in their own language. The twins were ignored by their parents and secluded from the outside world because their father felt they were developmentally retarded, and their unique language evolved as a result of that neglect.

Blanche Monnier: Imprisoned For 25 Years For Falling in Love
Blanche Monnier, she was a French woman noted for her beauty, she wished to marry an old lawyer that her mother disapproved of, so she locked her in a small dark room in her attic for 25 years.

Man's Blood Helped Save Millions of Babies
Australian blood donor James Harrison has been one of our most impressive and valued donors, having donated for 60 years. Know his story, how he was a pioneer of our Anti-D program, and why this matters.

New London School Explosion, Deadliest school disaster which killed almost 300 children and teachers
In 1937, a gas leak in the basement at the local school in New London, Texas caused a massive explosion which killed almost 300 children and teachers, the deadliest school disaster in US history. Adolf Hitler even sent his condolences by telegram.

The 440-pound bear named Wojtek and his World War II battle against the Nazis
Polish troops raised an orphaned bear cub during WWII. He enjoyed drinking beer, and was trained to salute. He became officially enlisted as a member of the forces, and helped carry artillery during battle.

What Was the Beast of Gévaudan?
Between 1764 and 1767, a mysterious animal called the Beast of Gévaudan terrorized the French village called Gévaudan. It attacked and killed about 100 adults and children. While most believe it was a wolf, some say it may have been a wolf-dog hybrid, hyena or even a lion, but without any genetic evidence, the beast will remain a mystery forever.

Hedy Lamarr, A Hollywood actress who also a mathematician and inventor
Hollywood actress Hedy Lamarr was also a mathematician and the inventor of frequency hopping spread spectrum, a technology still used for bluetooth and wifi