Jacques Cartier

A French navigator, Jacques Cartier was sent by the King of France, François I, to the New World to discover gold and diamonds and a new route to Asia. Jacques Cartier explored what became known as Newfoundland, the Magdalen Islands, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé Peninsula. Jacques Cartier was the first explorer to map the St. Lawrence River.

Jacques Cartier gave Canada its name when he misunderstood or misused the Iroquois word for village "kanata" to mean the name of the whole area. Jacques Cartier discovered Prince Edward Island in 1534. He was the first explorer of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Jacques Cartier built a fort at Stadacona, where Quebec City is now located. Further up the St. Lawrence, Cartier had Indian guides lead him to Hochelaga (Montreal). Jacques Cartier was the first explorer to chart the St. Lawrence River.

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