Jacques Cartier
(1491-1557)
Jacques Cartier History
Jacques Cartier was born in 1491 in France. As a young boy, Cartier always wanted to explore new lands. He spent his time fishing during the summer around the Grand Banks. It was there that he wondered what the land was that was around the Grand Banks. He wanted to go see what the land was but his father did not take him. As Cartier grew up he spent a lot of his time out at sea with other sailors. During his time out at sea, Cartier learned how to navigate, which meant he was able to find his way across the seas. Cartier became one of the best navigators.
Cartier's First Voyage
The king of France had heard stories about other countries exploring the New World and decided that his country should make their mark in the New World. So the king had someone put together a voyage to the New World and Jacques Cartier was put in charge. During this voyage, Cartier mapped out areas around Newfoundland and claimed many areas for France. Cartier met the natives of one of the peninsulas he landed at. On the peninsula, Cartier and his crew made friends with the natives but could not communicate very well. Cartier left the peninsula but took two of the chief's sons with him to France to teach them French.
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