Ferdinand Magellan reached the Pacific Ocean today in 1520 after leading the Spanish Armada to Patagonia and into what would become known as the Strait of Magellan. After more than a month navigating the dangerous and unpredictable waters of the strait, Magellan reportedly wept when he encountered the placid waters of Mar Pacifico on the other side. It would not be his last discovery, but it would be his last ocean. Magellan finally posted up on the island of Guam and the Philippine Archipelago five months later, only to be killed on a beach on Mactan Island by the allies of Lapulapu, the local chieftain, in April 1521. (Pictured: U.S. Marines assigned to the USS America observe the scenery as the ship transits the Strait of Magellan Aug. 20, 2014. Public domain.)
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