Leif Ericson is believed to have been born in Greenland as a son of Erik the Red. Following in his dad’s exploring footsteps, Leif Erickson discovered a part of modern North America about 500 years before Columbus’ journey. He is also credited with having introduced Christianity to Greenland after having been converted during a trip to Norway. Leif was described in contemporary accounts as a strong and handsome man, as well as a wise and good chieftain. He is fondly regarded by legions of Scandinavian Americans as the “true†discoverer of the land we live in; many monuments and statues have been erected in his honor.
