Christopher Columbus, with 17 ships and 1,200 men, sails on second voyage from Cadiz.

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator from the Republic of Genoa who completed four Spanish-based voyages across the Atlantic Ocean sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs, opening the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas. His expeditions were the first known European contact with the Caribbean and Central and South America.

September 9 is the 252nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 113 days remain until the end of the year.