Abraham Wood is a man who left a lasting mark on the history of exploration in North America.
His life’s work confirms the power of human ingenuity and the unrelenting pursuit of discovery. What’s over that next ridge?
Wood’s expeditions spanned over two decades and laid the groundwork for the settlement of the American frontier. It paved the way for future generations of explorers.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1610 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, Abraham Wood’s life was marked by turmoil and hardship from a young age. At the tender age of 10, he set sail for Virginia on the ship Margaret and John. He was possibly a cabin boy.
During the journey, Wood’s ship was attacked by two Spanish warships on March 14, 1620. Despite the odds, the Margaret and John managed to fend off the attackers and continue on its journey.
After arriving in Virginia, Wood eventually found himself working for Captain Samuel Matthews. He was a prominent planter and politician. This association would ultimately shape his destiny.
Wood’s early years in Virginia were marked by struggle and perseverance, but it was not long before he rose to prominence.
By the 1640s, he had become a respected member of the community, serving as a justice and a member of the House of Burgesses.
The 1650 Expedition
In 1650, Wood embarked on his first major expedition, a journey that would take him into the uncharted territories of the James River and Roanoke River. He was accompanied by Edward Bland, Sacheverell Brewster, and Elias Pennant.
Wood’s party set out to explore the upper reaches of these rivers. They were driven by a desire to discover new trade routes and to expand the boundaries of the Virginia colony.
The expedition took several weeks. They travelled over 400 kilometres, navigating treacherous terrain and encountering numerous Native American tribes along the way.
The Batts-Fallam Expedition (1671)
Two decades later, Wood was involved in another expedition. However, this time, he was the sponsor of the outing. An excursion that was led by Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam.
The party’s mission was to explore the southern Appalachian Mountains and the area of the New River. This region would later become West Virginia.
On September 1, 1671, the party set out from Appomattox Town, travelling over 65 kilometres on the first day alone. Over the course of several weeks, they met a number Native American tribes, including the Apomatock Indians.
They also discovered the New River, which was described as a “great river” that flowed “west and by north.”
The Needham-Arthur Expedition (1673)
Tragedy struck in 1673, when Wood’s next undertaking, led by James Needham and, Abraham Wood’s indentured servant, Gabriel Arthur, ended in disaster.
The party’s goal was to find an outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, their journey was cut short when Needham was killed by a member of a trading party that had been travelling with the two men.
The trading party members included an Occheneechee Indian named John. He also went by the name, Hasecoll.
It’s believed that a dispute arose between Needham and John. This argument led to Needham’s death.
Arthur was just a young man at the time. He was left to fend for himself but was eventually adopted by a Tomahitan tribe.
Regardless of the tragic events that unfolded, Arthur’s experiences with the Tomahitans were of great value. They provided much needed insights into the culture and way of life of Native American tribes in the area.
Legacy of the Expeditions
Abraham Wood’s expeditions were marked by tragedy and hardship. Yet they left a lasting legacy in the history of exploration in North America.
His bravery, determination, and unwavering curiosity paved the way for future generations of explorers. Those who would go on to chart the vast expanses of the American frontier.
Wood’s treks spanned over two decades. They laid the groundwork for the settlement of the region and facilitated the growth of trade and commerce.
Especially between the Virginia colony and Native American tribes.
Conclusion
Abraham Wood’s life was marked by a series of notable achievements. Starting as a young indentured servant who survived a harrowing sea journey to his later years as a respected leader and explorer.
Wood’s involvement with Fort Henry, a fort he commanded and owned, played a significant role in his life. It helped establish him as a key figure in the development of Petersburg, Virginia.
His numerous expeditions opened up the region to further settlement and trade.
Wood’s accomplishments also went into the realm of politics. There he served as a justice, a member of the House of Burgesses, and a member of the Council of Virginia.
Through his unwavering dedication to discovery and his unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, Wood left an indelible mark on the history of America.
Abraham Wood passed away in 1682.
