THE FIRST SETTLER IS
LUIS DE TORRES
Interpreter, Explorer, Agent of the King

Upon reaching Cuba, Columbus sends Luis de Torres on a mission to find the "Great Khan of Tartary." De Torres marches 12 leagues inland in the first recorded land expedition in these Islands. He reports on a native custom of putting one end of a burning leaf in

Indian dance ceremony.
Woodcut. Library of Congress

Explorers on the march.

the nostrils and Inhaling the vapors. Tobacco! He also describes a colorful bird he likens to a peacock. The Hebrew word for peacock Is "Tukki."

De Torres falls In love with the Island and asks to stay. A native chief gives him a grant of land, the King of Spain gives him a pension and names him Royal Agent. He forms alliances for Spain by marrying the daughters of many chiefs and spends a long and happy life in Cuba.

Other Settlements

Spain's "Final Edict," of March 31, 1492 gives Jews the alternatives of conversion or banishment. Most Jews flee to the east and north from Spain.

Jews accompany the explorers into the areas shown.

So does the Inquisition.