Early North American explorers were individuals who ventured into the continent to discover new lands and resources. Notable figures include Christopher Columbus, who sailed for Spain in 1492, and John Cabot, an Italian explorer who reached the North American coast in 1497. These explorers sought new trade routes and opportunities for their countries. Other significant explorers included Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire, and Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River in the 1530s. Their journeys laid the groundwork for future exploration and colonization, shaping the history of North America.