Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer and conquistador born around 1474. He is best known for his exploration of Florida in the early 16th century. Ponce de León was the first European to set foot on the mainland of the United States, claiming the land for Spain in 1513. He was also searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth, which was said to restore youth to those who drank from it. In addition to his exploration of Florida, Ponce de León served as the first governor of Puerto Rico. His expeditions contributed to the Spanish colonization of the Americas. He died in 1521 from wounds sustained during a conflict with indigenous people in Florida.