Robert Sandford (explorer) facts for kids
Robert Sandford was an English explorer in the 1600s. He explored the Carolina coast in North America. He worked for the eight Lords Proprietor of the Province of Carolina. These were important people who owned and managed the Carolina colony. Sandford followed another explorer, Captain William Hilton. Both explorers were looking for good places to build English settlements. Their trips started from Barbados, an island in the Caribbean. Rich English farmers in Barbados supported Sandford's work.
Robert Sandford's Early Life
Robert Sandford was born in Hamburg in 1632. His father, Thomas Sandford, was a merchant. His mother was Elizabeth Kingsland. Robert and his brother, William, moved to Barbados around 1642. Robert later wrote that he didn't know much about English ways. His uncle, Major Nathaniel Kingsland, was also a settler in Barbados.
In 1661-1662, Robert had a disagreement with Governor William Byam in Suriname. Sandford was accused of threatening to go to St. Vincent with soldiers. Sandford, in turn, accused Governor Byam of being unfair to the settlers. In November 1664, Sandford became an agent and secretary. He worked for Sir John Colleton, one of the Lords Proprietor, in Clarindon County, Carolina.
Exploring the Carolina Coast
Robert Sandford was an important explorer. He was the first to explore the Carolinas by foot from the Caribbean. William Hilton made his voyage in 1663. Sandford's exploration happened in 1666. Both explorers looked at the Port Royal area.
In 1666, Sandford named the Ashley River. He named it after Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury. He was one of the Lords Proprietor. Both Hilton and Sandford praised the area. They said it was very fertile and a great place for a settlement. Sandford believed an English colony there would quickly become a strong community. He thought it would greatly benefit England and the King.
During his 1666 trip, Sandford explored the Carolina coast. He met with Chief Shadoo of the Kiawah people. He also met a Cusabo chief on Edisto Island. These chiefs guided him to Port Royal. They also introduced him to the chief there. Sandford then went to St. Helena Island. On July 7, 1666, the chief there gave Sandford his nephew. The nephew would learn English language and customs. In return, Sandford left Dr. Henry Woodward with the St. Helena chief. Woodward would study the language and customs of the Native Americans there. Sandford's voyage included 17 other people. These included Captain George Cary and Lieutenant Samuel Hardy.
Later Years
In 1668, Governor Willoughby of Barbados sent Sandford away. Sandford may have moved to the Carolinas after that. However, it's not clear if he settled there permanently.
