Cassique facts for kids
Cassiques and Landgraves were special titles of nobility created for the early American colony of Carolina. These titles were meant to be a new kind of American noble rank, similar to lords and earls in England, but for people living in the colony. Landgraves were higher in rank, while Cassiques were a bit lower.
What Were Cassiques and Landgraves?
These titles were first suggested in the late 1600s. They were part of a set of rules called the Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina. This document planned for a special upper house in the Carolina government. This house would be made up of Landgraves and Cassiques.
The idea was that these titled people would be a "middle state" between the regular people (like the "Commons") and the very highest lords. They were given their titles through official documents. However, the Carolina government never fully approved these rules. Because of this, the system of Landgraves and Cassiques was mostly given up by the year 1700.
Native American Leaders and the Title "Cassique"
The title "Cassique" was also given to leaders of Native American tribes. This was especially true for the Kiawah Indians who lived in the low-country area of South Carolina. This area is near where the city of Charleston, South Carolina is today. The Kiawah Indians called this land "Chicora".
The Cassique of Kiawah was a friend to the English settlers. In 1666, he even sent his nephew to England with an explorer named Captain Robert Sandford. The Cassique encouraged the English to settle in "Chicora." He wanted the English to be trading partners. He also hoped they would protect his people from the Spanish in Florida and the Westoe tribe, who had attacked the Kiawah before.
Because of the Kiawah's help, the English started a settlement called Charles Towne in 1670. It was named after King Charles II of England. The Kiawah Indians became friends with the English. They even greeted the first colonists with a phrase that meant "Good English Comrades!"
People Who Held These Titles
Even though the system of Landgraves and Cassiques didn't last long, many people were given these titles. Sometimes, the title was passed down within families. Some people were even both a Cassique and a Landgrave. However, it seems that only about half of the people who received these titles actually moved to Carolina.
Some notable people who were given these titles include:
- Gov. John Archdale, a Landgrave.
- Hon. John Locke, a famous philosopher, was also made a Landgrave.
- Gov. Sir Nathaniel Johnson, who was both a Landgrave and a Cassique.
- Gov. Thomas Smith, Jr., who was first a Cassique and then a Landgrave.
