One of [[Christopher Columbus]]'s ships, the ''Santa Maria'', ran aground on the island of [[Haiti]] on [[Christmas]] eve, Dec. 24, 1492. Columbus named the settlement la Navidad (spanish for ''Christmas''). Leaving 40 men, Columbus then departed and promised to return the next year. | One of [[Christopher Columbus]]'s ships, the ''Santa Maria'', ran aground on the island of [[Haiti]] on [[Christmas]] eve, Dec. 24, 1492. Columbus named the settlement la Navidad (spanish for ''Christmas''). Leaving 40 men, Columbus then departed and promised to return the next year. |