1535day.year
French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships, 110 men, and Chief Donnacona's two sons (whom Cartier had kidnapped during his first voyage).
French explorer Jacques Cartier embarks on his second voyage to North America in 1535, carrying three ships and 110 men. He also brings two sons of Chief Donnacona as hostages to secure local alliances.
Jacques Cartier set sail on 19 May 1535 from Saint-Malo, France, to expand French claims in the New World. His fleet comprised three vessels and a diverse crew of sailors, soldiers, and craftsmen. Cartier's mission was to find a Northwest Passage to Asia and establish profitable trade. He also retained Chief Donnacona's sons as leverage to build alliances with the Iroquoian peoples. Navigating the St. Lawrence River, Cartier charted new territories and encountered indigenous settlements. The expedition laid early groundwork for the future colony of New France. Despite harsh conditions and navigational challenges, Cartier gathered valuable geographical and ethnographic information.
1535
Jacques Cartier
Chief Donnacona