Verrazzano

Verrazzano may refer to several related entities, most notably Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer. Giovanni da Verrazzano was born in the Republic of Florence around 1485. He is renowned for his 1524 voyage along the North American coastline. Sailing for King Francis I of France, he explored the area from present-day North Carolina up to Newfoundland. He is credited with being the first European to explore New York Harbor and the mouth of the Hudson River, which he named "Angoulême."

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Narrows of New York Harbor, is named in his honor. It connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. The bridge was completed in 1964 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening.

There is also a small island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina known as Ocracoke Island, which some historical accounts suggest Verrazzano may have landed on during his voyage. While the exact details of his landings are debated among historians, his exploration significantly contributed to European knowledge of the Atlantic coast of North America. His legacy is primarily tied to his cartographical contributions and his naming of significant geographical features.