This collection contains a facsimile of an original letter from Giovanni da Verrazzano (also known as James Verrazanus) to King Frances I of France upon Verrazano's exploration of the Atlantic Coast of the United States in March through May of 1524. Among other accomplishments, Verrazzano was the first European explorer to enter New York Harbor and the Hudson River. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Brooklyn and Staten Island, is named in his honor. This copy, obtained by the Brooklyn Historical Society in 1905, was the first known verbatim facsimile of the document in the United States.
