More than five centuries ago, a group of English colonists living at a settlement on North Carolina’s Roanoke Island disappeared without a trace. Since then, the mystery of the “Lost Colony” has gripped the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and amateur sleuths alike. Now, researchers have made leeway in unraveling what may have happened to this ill-fated group.
chilling history of the Roanoke Island settlement explained
In 1585, the first Roanoke Island colony—situated off the east coast of North Carolina—was founded by famed English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. After it failed to get off the ground, the colony was reestablished by Raleigh’s compatriot, an explorer and artist named John White. In 1587, a second group of 115 settlers arrived on the island, with White serving as the governor. Unfortunately, the settlement struggled to strike an accord with local indigenous tribes.
Compelled to return to England for provisions and support, White departed the colony. However, the Anglo-Spanish War delayed his return to North America for three years. When he finally arrived at Roanoke Island, White was shocked to find the colony abandoned. Everyone, including his daughter, his son-in-law, and his infant granddaughter, had vanished.
The only clues that White found were the letters “CRO” carved into a tree and the word “CROATOAN” etched into a gatepost. White assumed that the colonists may have relocated to Croatoan Island, approximately 50 miles south and home of the Croatoan people. He returned to England before he could conduct a thorough search. READ MORE...
In 1585, the first Roanoke Island colony—situated off the east coast of North Carolina—was founded by famed English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. After it failed to get off the ground, the colony was reestablished by Raleigh’s compatriot, an explorer and artist named John White. In 1587, a second group of 115 settlers arrived on the island, with White serving as the governor. Unfortunately, the settlement struggled to strike an accord with local indigenous tribes.
Compelled to return to England for provisions and support, White departed the colony. However, the Anglo-Spanish War delayed his return to North America for three years. When he finally arrived at Roanoke Island, White was shocked to find the colony abandoned. Everyone, including his daughter, his son-in-law, and his infant granddaughter, had vanished.
The only clues that White found were the letters “CRO” carved into a tree and the word “CROATOAN” etched into a gatepost. White assumed that the colonists may have relocated to Croatoan Island, approximately 50 miles south and home of the Croatoan people. He returned to England before he could conduct a thorough search. READ MORE...
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