Jacques Cartier
Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who sailed for King Francis I. He was seeking wealth and a northwestern trade route to Asia. Cartier sailed on three voyages, traveling up the St. Lawrence River to Quebec.1 Despite the Iroquois natives already living there, he claimed the land for France.
Fast Facts
- Born: December 31, 1491
- Died: 1557
- First voyage: 1534
- Second voyage: 1535
- Third voyage: 15412
- Spouse: Marie Katherine des Granches
- Children: None3
Controversy
As with any historical subject, the record of Jacques Cartier's life is subject to discrepancies and contradictions. For example, some sources give credit to Jean-Francois de la Roque de Roberval (who sailed with Cartier on the third voyage) for building the settlement of Charlesbourg-Royal, while other sources credit Cartier with building the colony.4 5 Some historians also claim that Cartier had sailed before his first official voyage in 1534, perhaps sailing with Giovanni da Verrazzano. However, his voyage in 1534 was his first time in charge, sailing under orders from King Francis I of France.6
Related Pages on Mahalo
Christopher Columbus | John Cabot | Prince Henry the Navigator | Vasco da Gama | Ferdinand Magellan | Hernan Cortes | France
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