# 401 - 1914 1c Panama-Pacific Exposition: Balboa, green, perf 10
1913 1¢ Panama-Pacific Exposition Commemorative
Printed by:Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Method: Flat plate
Watermark:Single line
Perforation: 10
Color: Green
Balboa Discovers Pacific Ocean
Balboa was born in 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. Following Christopher Columbus famed voyage to the New World in 1492, Balboa was inspired to become an explorer himself. He made his first voyage to the Americas in 1500 with Rodrigo de Bastidas. However, along the journey their ship was badly damaged and they had no choice but to settle on Hispaniola. Balboa attempted to make a life for himself as a planter and pig farmer, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Unable to pay off his rising debts he conceived a plan to escape the island and his debtors.
Balboa now had a significant amount of power, holding authority over all of the Veragua territory. He sent word back to Spain of the situation and asked for more men and supplies. In the meantime he continued his conquest. He fought and befriended various native tribes, later marrying the daughter of a local chief.
Balboa set out on his expedition on September 1, 1513. His requests for additional men were denied, so he crossed the Isthmus of Panama with just 190 Spaniards, a few native guides, and a pack of dogs. They sailed along the coast to a friendly native village where they received 1,000 men and continued on. In the coming weeks, Balboas force encountered less friendly tribes and did battle with them. Most of them ultimately joined his ranks.
Balboa eventually returned to Santa Maria and hoped to continue his quest for gold and territory. But in 1519 he was accused as an usurper and for trying to start his own government in the South Sea. He was found guilty and beheaded. He's been largely honored for his discovery of the Pacific and settlement of Panama.
1913 1¢ Panama-Pacific Exposition Commemorative
Printed by:Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Method: Flat plate
Watermark:Single line
Perforation: 10
Color: Green
Balboa Discovers Pacific Ocean
Balboa was born in 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain. Following Christopher Columbus famed voyage to the New World in 1492, Balboa was inspired to become an explorer himself. He made his first voyage to the Americas in 1500 with Rodrigo de Bastidas. However, along the journey their ship was badly damaged and they had no choice but to settle on Hispaniola. Balboa attempted to make a life for himself as a planter and pig farmer, but was ultimately unsuccessful. Unable to pay off his rising debts he conceived a plan to escape the island and his debtors.
Balboa now had a significant amount of power, holding authority over all of the Veragua territory. He sent word back to Spain of the situation and asked for more men and supplies. In the meantime he continued his conquest. He fought and befriended various native tribes, later marrying the daughter of a local chief.
Balboa set out on his expedition on September 1, 1513. His requests for additional men were denied, so he crossed the Isthmus of Panama with just 190 Spaniards, a few native guides, and a pack of dogs. They sailed along the coast to a friendly native village where they received 1,000 men and continued on. In the coming weeks, Balboas force encountered less friendly tribes and did battle with them. Most of them ultimately joined his ranks.
Balboa eventually returned to Santa Maria and hoped to continue his quest for gold and territory. But in 1519 he was accused as an usurper and for trying to start his own government in the South Sea. He was found guilty and beheaded. He's been largely honored for his discovery of the Pacific and settlement of Panama.