Origins & Early Life

Martín Alonso Pinzón, (Spanish pronunciation: [maɾˈtin aˈlonso pinˈθon]; Palos de la Frontera, Huelva; c. 1441 – c. 1493) was a Spanish mariner, shipbuilder, navigator and explorer, oldest of the Pinzón brothers. He sailed with Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to the New World in 1492, as captain of the Pinta.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His youngest brother Vicente Yáñez Pinzón was captain of the Niña, and the middle brother Francisco Martín Pinzón was maestre (first mate) of the Pinta. The Pinzón family was among the leading families of Palos de la Frontera in the late 15th century. There are several conflicting theories about the origin of the family and of their name (see Pinzón family). His grandfather was a sailor and diver known as Martín; it is not clear whether that was a first or last name, and whether in his generation Pinzón was a surname or an epithet. His father was a sailor named Martín Pinzón; his mother was named Mayor Vicente.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Born in Palos around 1441, it appears that at quite a young age Pinzón shipped out on a locally based caravel as a grumete (cabin boy). His home, now the Casa Museo de Martín Alonso Pinzón, was on the old royal road to...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Jan van Eyck — Contemporary (Died in 1441) (1441): Pioneering Early Netherlandish master, celebrated for innovative oil techniques.
• Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor — Contemporary (Died in 1493) (1493): Holy Roman Emperor and fourth King of the Romans from the House of Habsburg.
• Paracelsus — Contemporary (Born in 1493) (1493): Swiss physician, alchemist, and philosopher of the German Renaissance.
• Al Gore — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1948): American politician, businessman, and leading voice on environmental issues.
• Arthur D. Levinson — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1950): Prominent American businessman, former CEO of Genentech, and board member for Apple Inc.
• Bernal Díaz del Castillo — Historical peer (Born in 1492) (1492): Spanish conquistador famed for his firsthand accounts of the conquest of New Spain.
• Casimir IV Jagiellon — Historical peer (Died in 1492) (1492): A pivotal ruler who strengthened Poland and Lithuania, achieving great military and political success.
• Bella Abzug — Shared historical date (03-31 · Died) (1998): Trailblazing feminist, politician, and social activist who fought for women's rights.
• Carlo Rubbia — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1934): Pioneering particle physicist known for the discovery of W and Z bosons at CERN.
• Cesar Chavez — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1927): Pioneering labor unionist who fought for farmworker rights in California.
• 1441 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1441
• 1493 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1493
• March 31 (03-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 31