The historical figure recognized for exploring North America in the early 1500s is Jacques Cartier. As a French navigator and explorer, Cartier is credited with claiming parts of Canada for France. His voyages in 1534 and 1535–1536 helped establish French interest in North America, particularly the St. Lawrence River area. Cartier's interactions with Indigenous peoples and his explorations of the land provided valuable insights into the region's geography and resources. His expeditions laid the groundwork for future French colonization and significantly influenced European exploration in North America.