Jacques Cartier

Jacques Cartier was a French explorer. He was born in 1491, a year before Columbus made his famous voyage. He grew up learning the skills of sea navigation. He sailed to an island in northern Canada called Newfoundland. He went as far into Canada as the end of the St. Lawrence River. He was not crazed for riches like most of the Spanish explorers were. One of his main jobs was to spread Christianity among the Native Americans. He explored much of Canada and the northeastern U.S. Cartier was the first European to sail completely down the St. Lawrence River. Cartier died well after he landed in Canada- the date is unknown-. Following Cartier's discoveries, Samuel de Champlain Founded the Canadian city of Quebec. Because of Cartier, Canada was called New France. Cartier was one of the most famous French explorers He is known as "the Father of New France."

Return to Explorers Page