VoL. VI, PP. 179-238, PL. 10-14 DECEMBER 29, 1894 
? 
RHE 
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 
THE FIRST LANDFALL OF COLUMBUS 
BY 
JACQUES W. REDWAY, F. R. G. S. 
In examining the evidence concerning the first landfall of 
Columbus on the shores of the American continent, but little 
attention has been given heretofore to the evidence that might 
be found in early maps. Most critics have attempted to solve 
the problem by plotting the course either forward or backward 
as might seem most expedient. A few historical writers have 
been content to brush aside all evidence save that contained in 
the log book, trusting to logical inference where positive evidence 
is wanting. 
But logical inferenges are of value only when there is something 
like unanimity of agreement, and thus far, with respect to the 
landfall, they have resulted, not in unanimity of agreement but 
in diversity. By such inferences Washington Irving fixed upon 
Cat island ; Muiioz believed it to be Watling ; Navarrete held it to 
be Grand Turk; Becher, Parker, Murdoch and Markham clewed 
sails off various parts of the coast of the present Watling ; Captain 
Fox kept the anchors fast to the catheads until the squadron 
crept into a lee bight on the south side of Samana, and Varn- 
hagen let go those same anchors off the reefs of Mariguana. 
_At the present time, however, but three islands are seriously 
considered—Mariguana, Watling and Samana—and the opinions 
25—Nar. Grog. MaG., von. VI, 1894, (179) 
