John Lawson (explorer)

For other John Lawsons, see John Lawson (disambiguation).

A possible portrait of Lawson by Godfrey Kneller

John Lawson (27 December 1674 – 16 September 1711) was an English explorer, naturalist and writer. He played an important role in exploring the frontier regions of the Carolinas, publicising his expeditions in a book. He founded two settlements in North Carolina, Bath and New Bern, both located on rivers in the coastal plain. He was murdered by the Tuscarora people which led to the outbreak of the Tuscarora War.