Elizabeth Hodges
The Cabots and the Discovery of America
With a Brief Description and History of Brandon Hill, the Site of the Cabot Memorial Tower
"The Cabots and the Discovery of America" by Elizabeth Hodges is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book primarily discusses the voyages of John Cabot and his son Sebastian Cabot, providing a detailed exploration of their contributions to the discovery of North America. It delves into the historical significance of their expeditions, particularly how John Cabot, sailing from Bristol, was among the first Europeans to set foot on the North American continent prior to Columbus. In this book, Hodges narrates the life and journeys of John Cabot, emphasizing his background as a merchant and expert navigator. The narrative describes John's pivotal 1497 voyage aboard the ship "Matthew," where he claimed land in Canada for England. The work also investigates the contentious accounts regarding the claims of Sebastian, who sought to gain recognition for these discoveries. Throughout the text, readers encounter rich details about the Cabots' expeditions, the political landscape of the time, and the aftermath of their voyages, including how they laid the groundwork for England’s later colonization of North America.