The Legend of Balboa

With Quarica defeated and his people now as allies, Balboa moved onward. His force came to a mountain range along the Chukonot River in late September 1513. They were the first Europeans to see the mighty Pacific Ocean. The legend says that Balboa raised his arms, his sword in one hand, and a standard with the image of the Virgin Mary in the other,. He then claimed possession of the new sea and all adjoining lands in the name of the Spanish crown.