The Vikings, particularly the Norse explorer Leif Erikson, are credited with being the first Europeans to reach North America, approximately around 1000 AD. Historical accounts suggest that Erikson, the son of Erik the Red, sailed from Greenland to a land he called Vinland, which is thought to be located in present-day Newfoundland, Canada. Archaeological evidence at sites like L'Anse aux Meadows supports this claim, revealing Norse artifacts and structures that confirm the presence of Vikings in North America. This journey was significant, as it predates Columbus's voyage by nearly 500 years and demonstrates the advanced seafaring skills of the Vikings. The exploration of Vinland was part of a broader pattern of Viking exploration that included regions in Europe, the British Isles, and the North Atlantic. The legacy of Erikson and the Viking exploration of North America is an essential chapter in the narrative of early transoceanic contact and contributes to our understanding of the Viking Age's far-reaching impacts on world history.