Jacques Cartier
Jacques Cartier was a French mariner who explored the Canadian coast and the St. Lawrence River, laying the basis for later French claims to North America.
Explorer
December 31, 1491
Capricorn
September 01, 1557
65
Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) was a renowned French navigator and explorer who played a significant role in the 16th-century exploration of North America. He is best known for being the first European to sail along the St. Lawrence River and investigate the Gulf of St. Lawrence, ultimately claiming Canada for France. Among his notable accomplishments are the discovery of Prince Edward Island and the establishment of the town of Cap-Rouge in Quebec. Appointed as Canada’s first governor by King Francis I, Cartier was also honored with the Order of Saint-Michel by King Henry II. His voyages significantly contributed to the growth of maritime transportation and trade between France and Canada.