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Leif Erikson
(First European to reach North America)
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: 0970 AD
Birthplace: Iceland
Died: 1020 AD
Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer known for being the first European to set foot on continental America before Christopher Columbus. He established a Norse settlement at Vinland, believed to be coastal North America, which could correspond to L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. Leif played a crucial role in Norse exploration and settlement in North America.