John Lawson (1674 - 1711) was a British explorer, naturalist and writer. He played an important role in the history of colonial North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, publicizing his expeditions in a book, and founding two settlements in North Carolina. Beginning December 28, 1700 Lawson led a small expedition out of Charleston and up the Santee River by canoe and then on foot to explore the Carolina backcountry. Along the way he took careful note of the vegetation, wildlife and, in particular, the many Indian tribes he encountered. He traveled nearly 600 miles through the wilderness, ending his journey near the mouth of the Pamlico River. Lawson played a major role in the founding of two of North Carolina's earliest permanent European settlements - Bath and New Bern. On March 8, 1705, Bath was the first town incorporated in what was to become North Carolina.