Jacques Cartier Explorer (1491–1557)
French navigator Jacques Cartier • French explorer Jacques Cartier is known for exploring the Saint Lawrence River and giving Canada its name. • He was born in 1491 in Saint-Malo, Brittany, France • He was sent by King Francis 1 to the New World in search of riches and a new route to Asia in 1534
Canada • His exploration of the Saint Lawrence River allowed France to claim lands that would become Canada.