Robert Sedgwick

Robert Sedgwick was an English merchant who is credited with establishing the first ironworks in North America.

A merchant of London, Sedgwick went to New England at the age of 24 and settled at Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay Colony where he resided between 1636 and 1653. In the subsequent years he emerged as a successful merchant, commander of the militia and the representative of the town in the General Court. He was promoted by Oliver Cromwell the first Major General of Massachusetts Bay Colony.

As an entrepreneur Sedgwick was a pioneer in the development of the New England fishery and investor in several local enterprises. In partnership with John Winthrop, Jr. and others, he is credited for establishing the first ironworks in North America in 1643-1644.

Authorized by Cromwell, Sedgwich led an expedition on Acadia in 1654 in order to secure its rich fur-trading and fishing resources for New England. In the following year, he participated in another expedition, which captured Jamaica, and for his contributions he was appointed the first Governor General of Jamaica.