Biography of John Cabot John Cabot was in his early to mid forties when he set foot on the soil of Newfoundland, claiming the territory for Christianity in the name of the English crown.

However, his father, John Cabot, who introduced his son to this adventurous life, might not be as familiar. John Cabot is a key figure in a strong controversy regarding the discovery of North America.

JOHN CABOT'S LANDFALL. Share full article. June 27, 1897. Credit... The New York Times Archives. See the article in its original context from June 27, 1897, Page 18 Buy Reprints. View on timesmachine.