Roanoke Island- The Lost Colony

Roanoke Island was an English economic venture and there were two attempts to establish a colony here. The first attempt was led by Sir Water Raleigh in 1585. There were approximately 100 men and after a very difficult winter the unhappy colonists decided to return to England. The second attempt in 1587 was led by John White, a mapmaker and artist. He led 91 men, 17 women and 9 children. His daughter gave birth to the very first English child born in America, Virginia Dare.  John White decided to go back to England for supplies, leaving the colonists at Roanoke, and intending to return in a couple of months. Unfortunately, England’s war with Spain prevented him from returning for three years. When he did return he could not find the colonists. The only clue of their fate was the word “Croatoan” carved on a post. That was the name of the local Indian tribe. Roanoke became known as the “Lost Colony” and the mystery still haunts historians today. The colony failed and discouraged England of colonization until the idea emerged again in 1606. 

---