Born on June seventh, Jacques Cartier is considered one of the most important explorers of all time. He led expeditions to the New World in 1534, 1535-36, and 1541-42. He discovered the St Lawrence River, and charted it in 1535, and along with that is credited with discovering Canada, by setting down in modern day Quebec. His third and last voyage was marked with embarrassment when he brought back diamonds and gold at the cost of many lives, only to discover that they were quartz and fools gold when he returned. He died in obscurity on the 1st of September 1557.