The Beginner's American History

Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America, was born at Genoa, a seaport of Italy, more than four hundred and fifty years ago.

His father was a wool-comber. Christopher did not care to learn that trade, but wanted to become a sailor.

Seeing the boy's strong liking for the sea, his father sent him to a school where he could learn geography, map-drawing, and whatever else might help him to become some day commander of a vessel.