Who Was Jacques Cartier?
Jacques Cartier was a prominent French navigator and explorer, best known for his pioneering expeditions along the St. Lawrence River, which led to France claiming the lands that would eventually become Canada. Commissioned by King Francis I in 1534 to search for riches and a new route to Asia, Cartier’s explorations played a crucial role in shaping the early history of North America. Cartier passed away in his hometown of Saint-Malo, France, in 1557.
Early Life and First Voyage to North America
Born on December 31, 1491, in Saint-Malo, France, Jacques Cartier’s early life prepared him for a future in exploration. Before his major expeditions to North America, Cartier is believed to have explored parts of the Americas, including Brazil. His experience and reputation likely influenced King Francis I to choose him for a significant mission in 1534: to explore the “northern lands” of North America. The goal of this voyage was to discover gold, spices, and a passage to Asia, a quest that would cement Cartier’s place among history’s great explorers.
Cartier set sail on April 20, 1534, commanding two ships and 61 men. After just 20 days at sea, he reached the eastern coast of North America. His explorations led him to the west coast of Newfoundland, the discovery of Prince Edward Island, and a journey through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where he sailed past Anticosti Island, marking significant achievements in European exploration.
Second Voyage
Impressed by Cartier’s initial findings, King Francis I commissioned a second voyage in May 1535. This time, Cartier was equipped with three ships and 110 men, as well as two Indigenous guides whom he had previously captured. The expedition took Cartier and his crew deep into the St. Lawrence River, reaching as far as present-day Quebec, where they established a base of operations.
In September of that year, Cartier ventured further to what is now Montreal, where he was welcomed by the Iroquois people. The Iroquois informed Cartier of other rivers that flowed westward, supposedly leading to regions rich in gold, silver, copper, and spices. However, before Cartier could explore these claims, the harsh Canadian winter set in, making the river impassable due to ice and straining relations with the Iroquois.
As spring arrived, Cartier decided to return to France, taking several Iroquois chiefs with him. Upon his return, Cartier reported to the king that untold riches lay further west and that a massive river, which he believed to be around 2,000 miles long, might lead to Asia.
Third Voyage
Cartier embarked on his third and final voyage in May 1541, with a fleet of five ships. By this time, he had abandoned the hope of finding a passage to Asia and was instead tasked with establishing a permanent French settlement along the St. Lawrence River. A group of colonists was scheduled to follow Cartier’s expedition.
Upon reaching the area near Quebec once more, Cartier’s team discovered what they believed to be gold and diamonds in abundance. However, before the colonists arrived, Cartier abruptly abandoned the settlement and set sail for France in the spring. En route, he met the colonists in Newfoundland, but instead of returning to Quebec as ordered by their leader, Cartier secretly sailed back to France.
Upon his return, the supposed gold and diamonds were revealed to be worthless, and the colonists, disheartened by their first brutal winter in the New World, abandoned their plans to establish a settlement. These failures led France to lose interest in the newly explored territories for nearly 50 years, and Cartier’s career as an explorer for the French crown came to a disappointing end. Despite his significant contributions to the exploration of the St. Lawrence River region, Cartier’s legacy is marred by his contentious interactions with the Iroquois and his decision to abandon the colonists.
Death and Legacy
Jacques Cartier died on September 1, 1557, in his hometown of Saint-Malo, France. Though his career ended in disappointment, Cartier remains a key figure in the history of exploration. His expeditions not only led to France’s claim over the territory that would become Canada but also left an indelible mark on the history of North American exploration.
Quick Facts
- Name: Jacques Cartier
- Birth Date: December 31, 1491
- Birthplace: Saint-Malo, Brittany, France
- Death Date: September 1, 1557
- Death Place: Saint-Malo, Brittany, France
- Nationality: French
- Best Known For: Exploring the St. Lawrence River and naming Canada
- Astrological Sign: Capricorn