Our next stop is the John Lawson Marker, which honors the work of John Lawson, an English explorer who, in 1700, traveled through the Carolinas and carefully recorded his experiences. Lawson’s detailed notes, especially on the indigenous populations and the environment, were published in his journal, A New Voyage to Carolina, in 1709. You can even read it for free online!
On December 28, 1700, Lawson set out from Charleston on a small expedition to explore the Carolina backcountry. He and his group traveled up the Santee River by canoe, then continued on foot. Along the way, they were guided by American Indians. Lawson took detailed notes on the wildlife, vegetation, and, most importantly, the many Native American populations he met. His journey covered nearly 600 miles, ending near the mouth of the Pamlico River in what is now North Carolina.
One of Lawson's quotes reads:
"The Country abounds with delicious Fruits, the Woods with deer and wild Turkeys, of a prodigious Weight, Fish of various kinds in the Rivers, and the Air with wild Fowl, all which is no small Pleasure and Delight to such as are Strangers to these Parts."
Lawson's journal remains an important document for understanding the history of early colonial America, particularly the interactions between European settlers and Native Americans. It also highlights the incredible natural resources in the Carolinas, which drew both settlers and naturalists to the area. Photo [1] depicts some of Lawson's observations of the wildlife he encountered in the Carolina Backcountry
Now let’s channel our inner John Lawson and “journey” on through this Carolina! Follow the path straight ahead until you reach an open area with a statue, where we’ll learn more about the European settlers who came to this region.
