In 1500 Balboa sailed to the New World in search of riches. He did not get rich, though. Balboa decided to become a farmer in Hispaniola. (We call that Haiti and the Dominican Republic, now.) The farm did not do well. Balboa lost all his money. He and his dog stowed away on a ship. The leader of the ship, Enciso, found him. He was going to put Balboa off the ship but Balboa knew a lot about where they were going. Encisco let him stay.

Balboa helped Encisco start a new city, Santa Maria. (It was between what is now Panama and Columbia.) Then he threw out Encisco. Balboa made himself mayor. Later, he helped throw out the governor, too. People liked Balboa better. He became governor.

Balboa explored new lands in what we call Panama. While looking for gold and pearls, he heard of another sea. In 1513, he climbed a mountain and saw the other sea. He was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the New World.

Balboa and his men went to the sea. They fought more people and took their riches. They claimed the sea and land for Spain. The king was happy when he heard the news.

Balboa had made enemies. He was forced out as mayor and governor. The new governor did not like him. He was afraid Balboa was after his job. He had Balboa beheaded.