The Lost Colony of Roanoke: Unsolved Mystery of America

Short Introduction

The story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke began in 1587, when a group of 115 English settlers arrived at Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina. They were sent by Queen Elizabeth I, who had granted them a charter and supplied them with the necessary supplies to establish a permanent settlement. The group was led by John White, an artist and explorer who had been appointed governor of the colony. The colonists arrived in July and immediately began building homes and fortifications to protect themselves.

However, the colony was soon beset by problems. Supplies began to run low, and the local Native American tribes were hostile to the settlers. After just a few months, White was forced to return to England to seek more supplies and reinforcements. It was during this time that the colony's fate was sealed. When White returned three years later, in 1590, the entire colony had vanished without a trace.

The disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke has remained one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. Speculation has ranged from a mass migration to a hostile attack by the local native tribes. Whatever happened to the colony, its secrets remain shrouded in mystery to this day.

Background of the Roanoke Colony

The Roanoke Colony was founded in 1587 by a group of English settlers, led by John White. They arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina, with the intention of establishing a permanent settlement. The colony was sponsored by Queen Elizabeth I, who provided supplies and a charter for the venture. The settlers were instructed to build a fort and explore the surrounding area.

The Life of the Roanoke Colony

The settlers of the Roanoke Colony attempted to build a prosperous community on the island. They constructed a fort, planted crops, and established friendly relations with the local Native American tribes. In 1588, John White returned to England for supplies, leaving his daughter Eleanor Dare and her husband Ananias Dare in charge of the colony. During his absence, Eleanor gave birth to the first English child born in the New World, Virginia Dare.

The Disappearance

Unfortunately, the Roanoke Colony met an untimely end. In 1590, a group of Englishmen led by John White returned to the island to resupply the settlers. When they arrived, they found the entire colony deserted. The only clue they found to the colonists' whereabouts was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post. White was unable to investigate further as his men were too afraid to explore the island.

Theories Surrounding the Roanoke Colony

Since the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony, historians and archaeologists have speculated about what happened to the settlers. One popular theory is that the settlers moved to another nearby island, or even mainland America. It is possible that the Croatoan tribe, with whom the colonists had a friendly relationship, helped them to relocate. Another theory suggests that the colonists were killed by hostile Native Americans, or even Spanish explorers.

The Search for the Lost Colony

For centuries, people have searched for the Lost Colony of Roanoke. In the 19th century, National Park Service archaeologist Mark Wilde-Ramsing conducted extensive excavations on the island. He discovered a number of clues, including English pottery and coins, that suggested the presence of the lost colonists. In the 21st century, archaeologists have continued to search for evidence of the vanished colony.

Conclusion

The Lost Colony of Roanoke remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of American history. While historians and archaeologists have made some progress in uncovering the truth, the exact fate of the settlers remains unknown. The only clue to their whereabouts is the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post, which has led some to believe that the colonists moved to another island or mainland America. Whatever happened to the settlers, their story will remain shrouded in mystery for years to come.