Edward Bland (explorer)

Edward Bland (flourished 1650-1654) was an English merchant and explorer active in the Virginia Colony. He is primarily known for leading an expedition into the interior of North America in 1650, seeking trade routes and potential agricultural lands.

Bland's expedition, undertaken with Abraham Wood, Sackford Brewster, Elias Pennant, and several Native American guides, aimed to explore the lands southwest of the James River. The group traveled towards the Roanoke River and into what is now considered part of North Carolina.

The account of Bland's expedition, documented in The Discovery of New Brittaine, published in 1651, provides a detailed, though potentially embellished, narrative of their journey. The publication describes the geography, flora, fauna, and Native American populations encountered. While the accuracy of all details in the account has been questioned by historians, it offers valuable insights into the European perspective and perceptions of the interior of Virginia and surrounding areas during that era.

Bland sought to promote further exploration and potential settlement of the region based on the perceived riches and fertile lands. He advocated for establishing trade relations with the Native American tribes and believed the area held considerable economic promise. Despite his efforts, large-scale settlement in the areas explored did not immediately follow.

The legacy of Edward Bland lies primarily in his documented expedition and the published account that provides a contemporary European perspective on the early exploration of the Virginia backcountry. While his long-term impact on colonial expansion is debated, his journey contributed to the growing body of knowledge about the interior of North America available to the English colonists.