Jacques Cartier
The first European to describe and map the Saint Lawrence River
Real World Example
Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who, in the 16th century, became the first European to describe and map the Saint Lawrence River in present-day Canada. His explorations helped establish France's claims to parts of North America, fueling further exploration and expansion by Europeans. At the time, his actions were crucial for mapping uncharted territories, which were essential for trade and settlement. Today, Cartier's legacy lives on in the way we value exploration and mapping technology, which helps us understand and navigate our world. For example, modern GPS systems that help people travel efficiently can be traced back to the importance of early explorers like Cartier who mapped unknown regions.