Cockburn Town in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Overseas Territories — North Atlantic Ocean
Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall?
Photographed by Jason Fountain, February 16, 2026
1. Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall? Marker
The exact location of Christopher Columbus' first landfall in the New World in 1492 has been debated for centuries. Columbus' original journal of his first voyage to the New World is lost, and we will likely never know for sure.
Different theories and conclusions of what is known of the first voyage speculate that Columbus could have landed in present-day San Salvador in the Bahamas, Samana Cay in the Bahamas, Cat Island in the Bahamas, or possibly Grand Turk.
Proponents of the Grand Turk theory point to similarities between descriptions of the first island and Grand Turk, including the numerous other islands that can be seen in the distance and there is a large natural harbor.
Computer models have re-charted his course, which in some cases indicate an arrival at Grand Turk is possible.
We likely will never know the location of Columbus' first landfall, but the subject is a fascinating and important part of our history.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1492.
Location. 21° 30.715′ N,
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Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles on in the Atlantic Ocean, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Northeast Reef (a few steps from this marker); Horatio Nelson Lookout Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Trouvadore Shipwreck (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Grand Turk Historic Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Grand Turk Historic Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lighthouse Keeper's Residence & Bermuda Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Naval Facility (within shouting distance of this marker); The History of the West (approx. 4.8 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cockburn Town.
Other markers no longer nearby. Grand Turk: The Original Columbus Landfall? (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Grand Turk Historic Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Horatio Nelson Lookout Point (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Miramar (was approx. 4.7 kilometers away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2026, by Jason Fountain of Arlington, Virginia. This page has been viewed 41 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on February 16, 2026, by Jason Fountain of Arlington, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
