See One of the most famous men, born today being 31th December.

Gist me

Jacques Cartier

Profession: French Explorer

Nationality: 

French

Why Famous: Explored and claimed what is now Canada for France.

Cartier was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. 

These he named "The Country of Canadas", after the Iroquois names for the two big settlements he saw at Stadacona (Quebec City) and at Hochelaga (Montreal Island).

Born: December 31, 1491
Birthplace: St. Malo, France 
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: September 1, 1557 (aged 65) 

  

Historical Events in the Life of Jacques Cartier

• 1534-05-10 French navigator Jacques Cartier reaches Newfoundland
• 1534-06-09 Jacques Cartier 1st sails into mouth of St Lawrence River
• 1534-06-29 Jacques Cartier discovers Prince Edward Islands Canada
• 1534-07-24 Jacques Cartier lands in Canada, claims it for France
• 1535-09-01 French navigator Jacques Cartier reaches Hochelaga (Montreal)
• 1535-10-02 Jacques Cartier discovers Mount Royal (Montreal)
• 1536-07-09 French navigator Jacques Cartier returns to Saint-Malo from Canada
• 1541-08-23 French explorer Jacques Cartier lands near Quebec City in his third voyage to Canada