Arthur Barlowe facts for kids

Arthur Barlowe was an English explorer. He lived from 1550 to 1620. In 1584, he sailed to North America. He went with another captain, Philip Amadas. They were sent by Sir Walter Raleigh. Their mission was to find new land for Queen Elizabeth I of England. Barlowe wrote a detailed report about his trip. This report is one of the first English descriptions of North America. It tells us a lot about how Europeans met Native Americans.

Exploring North America

In 1584, Arthur Barlowe and Philip Amadas began their journey. They left England on April 27 with two ships. First, they sailed south to the Canary Islands. Then, they went to the West Indies. They stopped there briefly for food and water. After that, they sailed north along the coast of Florida.

A Sweet Smell of Land

After eleven days, they noticed something special. The water became shallow. They also smelled a very sweet and strong scent. Barlowe wrote it was "as if we had been in the midst of some delicate garden." This smell told them that land was very close. Two days later, on July 4, they saw the coast.

Landing in North Carolina

They sailed for 120 miles along the coast. They were looking for a river or an entrance from the sea. Finally, they landed on the outer banks. This area is now part of the Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. Barlowe described the land as incredibly rich. He said there was "in all the world the like abundance is not to be found."

Meeting the Secotan Tribe

When they landed, they met a large group of the Secotan tribe. The group was led by Granganimeo. He was the brother of their king, Wingina. King Wingina could not be there. He had a leg injury from a fight with another tribe.

Several Native Americans joined Barlowe and his crew. They sailed north to Roanoke Island. There, they found a Secotan village. Barlowe wrote that the villagers were very kind and generous. He described them as "gentle, loving and faithful." He also said they were "void of all guile and treason." He felt they lived like people from a "golden age." This friendly meeting helped lead to future settlements.

The Roanoke Colony

The discovery of Roanoke Island and the North Carolina coast was very important. It led to the creation of the Roanoke Colony. This colony on Roanoke Island later became famous. It is known as the "Lost Colony." No one knows exactly what happened to its members. People believe they either starved or joined local Native American tribes.