Thomas Batts facts for kids

Thomas Batts was an early settler and explorer in Virginia. He is known for leading an important expedition that helped explore the western parts of Virginia.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Batts was born in Yorkshire, England. His father was John Batte. Records show that Thomas and his brother Henry were in Virginia by 1666.

In 1666, Thomas and Henry Batts received a large land grant of 5,878 acres in what is now Prince George County, Virginia. They received this land for helping 118 people travel to the colony.

Thomas Batts was a local judge, called a Justice of the Peace, in Henrico County in 1683 and 1684. He may have also been a Burgess (a representative in the colonial government) in 1701. Thomas Batts likely passed away around 1701. He had a son named Thomas Batte Jr. and daughters named Ann, Martha, and Mary.

Land and Neighbors

Thomas Batts owned land next to Abraham Wood, who was a key person in sponsoring explorations. For example, in 1680, Abraham Wood received land near Thomas Batts' property.

Thomas Batts also had dealings with William Byrd I, a well-known fur trader. In 1674, Thomas Batts received a patent for 1,862 acres of land near the Appomattox River. He later sold parts of this land, including some to William Byrd.

Exploring New Lands

Thomas Batts was a brave explorer who helped map out new areas of Virginia.

The Batts and Fallam Expedition

On September 1, 1671, Thomas Batts, Thomas Wood, and Robert Fallam began an expedition. They started from Appomattox Town (near today's Petersburg, Virginia). They were joined by Perecute, an important Native American leader, and Jack Nesan, a former servant of Abraham Wood. They also had five horses.

Their mission was to find out if the water behind the mountains flowed to the "South Sea" (the Pacific Ocean). The Virginia government had approved this journey. The Batts and Fallam group is famous for discovering the Woods River, which is now called the New River. Sadly, Thomas Wood died during this expedition.

On September 17, 1671, the explorers marked four trees to claim the land. They carved "C. R." for King Charles II, "W. B." for Governor William Berkeley, "A. W." for Maj.-Gen. Abraham Wood, and "T. B., R. F." for Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam. They also carved "P" for Perecute, who said he wanted to be an Englishman. The expedition returned to Fort Henry on October 1.

Importance of the Expedition

Years later, in 1763, the discoveries made by the Batts and Fallam expedition were used in peace talks after the French and Indian War. This exploration helped England claim the Ohio Valley.

The Needham and Arthur Expedition

After the 1671 Batts and Fallam journey, Abraham Wood sponsored another expedition. This one was led by James Needham and Gabriel Arthur. They set out around April 10, 1673, to explore beyond the mountains.

Sadly, James Needham was killed by his Native American guide early in the trip. Gabriel Arthur continued the exploration alone. He traveled as far south as the western coast of Florida. On his way back, he explored the Mississippi River and the Ohio River. He visited many Shawnee villages and is believed to be the first European to visit Kentucky. He returned to Fort Henry on June 18, 1674.