Jacques Cartier

Jacques Cartier: The French Explorer Who Claimed Canada for France

Early Life and Career

Jacques Cartier was born in Saint-Malo, France, in 1491. He was a skilled navigator and explorer who made several voyages to the New World in the early 16th century. In 1534, King Francis I of France commissioned Cartier to lead an expedition to find a northwest passage to Asia.

First Voyage

Cartier set sail from Saint-Malo on April 20, 1534, with two ships. He explored the coast of Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and claimed the land for France. He also met with the Iroquois and Huron Native American tribes.

Second Voyage

In 1535, Cartier returned to the New World with three ships. He sailed up the St. Lawrence River and reached the site of present-day Montreal. He spent the winter there, and in the spring of 1536, he continued his exploration of the river.

Third Voyage

In 1541, Cartier made his third and final voyage to the New World. He was accompanied by Jean-François de La Rocque de Roberval, who had been appointed by the king to be governor of the new colony. Cartier explored the Saguenay River and tried to establish a permanent settlement at Charlesbourg-Royal, but the colony was abandoned after two years.

Legacy

Jacques Cartier is considered to be one of the most important explorers in Canadian history. His voyages helped to establish France's presence in North America, and he is credited with discovering the St. Lawrence River. His explorations also helped to open up the interior of Canada to European settlement.

Additional Information

• Cartier was the first European to describe the St. Lawrence River.
• He also made contact with the Iroquois and Huron Native American tribes.
• Cartier's voyages helped to establish France's presence in North America.