Explorer Christopher Columbus was given funding for his first journey.
In April 1492 Columbus was awarded the title “Admiral of the Ocean Sea,” and Spain agreed to finance his first expedition. He signed the contract in Santa Fe near Granada, Spain. First Voyage (1492–93) Christopher Columbus: voyages Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc./Kenny Chmielewski On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain with three ships, the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María.