Jacques Cartier

French Explorer Jacques Cartier

Profession: French Explorer

Nationality:
France
French

Biography: Explored and claimed what is now Canada for France.

Cartier was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River.

These he named "The Country of Canadas", after the Iroquois names for the two big settlements he saw at Stadacona (Quebec City) and at Hochelaga (Montreal Island).

Born: December 23, 1491
Birthplace: St. Malo, France
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: September 1, 1557 (aged 65)

Historical Events

  • 1534-04-20 French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail with two ships from Saint-Malo for Newfoundland, tasked by Francis I to look for gold and riches
  • 1534-05-10 French navigator Jacques Cartier reaches Newfoundland
  • 1534-06-09 French explorer Jacques Cartier is the 1st European to sail into mouth of St Lawrence River
  • 1534-06-29 French explorer Jacques Cartier is the first European to discover Prince Edward Islands, Canada
  • 1534-07-07 First act of trade between the French and Amerindians when Jacques Cartier trades items with Micmacs at Chaleur Bay
  • 1534-07-24 French explorer Jacques Cartier claims for France the lands around Gaspé by erecting a 30ft cross at Pointe-Penouille
  • 1535-05-19 French explorer Jacques Cartier leaves France on his second voyage of discovery to Newfoundland for Francis I, with three ships
  • 1535-09-01 French navigator Jacques Cartier reaches Hochelaga (Montreal)
  • 1535-10-02 French explorer Jacques Cartier first visits the Iroquois settlement of Hochelaga (later Montreal)
  • 1536-07-09 French navigator Jacques Cartier returns to Saint-Malo, France from his exploration of what is now Canada
  • 1541-08-23 French explorer Jacques Cartier lands near Quebec City on his third voyage to Canada accompanied by five ships and 1500 people to establish a colony (colony fails after two years)

Biographies and Sources


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