The Vikings' Vinland, discovered in 1000 AD, is North America! The Viking settlement in Greenland lasted over 350 years or longer than the United States Constitution has been in effect (1787-?). Eric the Red discovered Greenland in 985 AD and led 25 ships there to settle with livestock and all necessary supplies. His son, Leif, later sailed from Greenland to discover America in 1000 AD. While it was long believed that the Vikings only stayed in North America for three years b