The Colony of Roanoke’s Mysterious Disappearance | The UnXplained (Season 3)

Summary

The Roanoke Colony, established in 1587 on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, was the first English settlement in North America. It mysteriously vanished in 1590, leaving behind only the word 'Croatoan' carved into a post. Theories on the disappearance range from relocation to assimilation with local tribes. Despite extensive archaeological efforts, the ultimate fate of the 'Lost Colony' remains one of American history's enduring mysteries.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in North Carolina marks the site of the first English settlement in North America, known as the 'Lost Colony' of Roanoke.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The Roanoke colony mysteriously vanished in 1590, leaving behind no trace of the colonists, which remains one of the enduring mysteries of American history.
• 🚢 In the 1580s, England sought to establish colonies in the Americas to gain a share of the wealth that Spain and other nations were amassing from their colonies.
• 🌊 English mapmaker John White led the expedition to Roanoke Island in 1587, with 117 colonists, but had to return to England for supplies, leaving the colony unattended.
• ⏳ White's return to Roanoke was delayed by three years due to conflicts with the Spanish Navy, during which time the colony disappeared.
• 🔍 Upon his return in 1590, White found the settlement abandoned, with houses dismantled and a new, well-built fort in place, indicating a possible relocation.
• 🗝️ White discovered the word 'Croatoan' carved into a post, which he had instructed the colonists to leave as a sign if they moved, pointing towards the nearby island of Hatteras.
• ⛈ A storm prevented White from immediately searching for the colonists at Hatteras, and he was never able to return to the New World to look for them.
• 🏺 Archaeological excavations on Hatteras Island have uncovered artifacts such as a gold ring and an Elizabethan sword hilt, suggesting possible links to the lost colonists.
• 🤔 The absence of any remains or clear signs of violence at the site of the Roanoke colony adds to the mystery of what happened to its inhabitants.

Q & A

What is the significance of Roanoke Island in American history?

Roanoke Island is significant as the site of the first English settlement in North America, known as the 'lost colony' due to its mysterious abandonment in 1590.

Why is the colony of Roanoke referred to as the 'lost colony'?

The colony of Roanoke is called the 'lost colony' because it was mysteriously abandoned, and the colonists vanished without a trace in 1590.

What was the primary motivation for England to establish colonies in the Americas during the late 16th century?

The primary motivation was to participate in the colonization of the Americas to access wealth and resources, as exemplified by the Spanish, and to avoid being overrun by enemies.

Who was John White and what was his role in the Roanoke colony?

John White was an English map maker commissioned to found a new colony on Roanoke Island. He led the group of 117 colonists to the island in 1587 and later returned to England to gather more supplies and colonists.

Why did John White have to return to England shortly after arriving at Roanoke Island?

John White returned to England to obtain more supplies and additional colonists, which were deemed necessary for the colony's survival and success.

What delayed John White's return to Roanoke Island after his departure?

John White's return was delayed by three years due to conflicts with the Spanish Navy, which prevented him from reaching Roanoke Island as planned.

What did John White find upon his return to Roanoke Island in 1590?

Upon his return, John White found the entire settlement abandoned, with houses dismantled and a new, well-built defensible fort in their place.

What was the cryptic clue John White discovered that suggested the colonists' whereabouts?

John White found the word 'Croatoan' carved into a wooden post, which was a clue pointing to the nearby island and tribe of the same name.

What recent archaeological findings have been made in relation to the Roanoke colony mystery?

Archaeologists have found a gold ring from Elizabethan times and the hilt of an Elizabethan sword in a Native American village, suggesting possible connections to the lost colonists.

What remains a mystery despite extensive archaeological efforts on Hatteras Island?

Despite the archaeological findings, the absence of skeletons or clear signs of an attack or siege leaves the ultimate fate of the Roanoke colonists a mystery.

Why does the legend of the Roanoke colony continue to intrigue people?

The legend of the Roanoke colony continues to intrigue due to the ambiguity surrounding the colonists' disappearance and the unanswered questions about their fate.