How Did A Whole Village Disappear? (The Lost Colony of Roanoke Mystery)

Summary

The mystery of the lost colony of Roanoke has fascinated historians for centuries. In 1587, Governor John White and 117 colonists arrived in Roanoke, but after White's return from England three years later, the colony had mysteriously vanished. Only cryptic carvings, including the word 'Croatan,' were left behind. While many theories exist, the most plausible suggests the colonists moved south to live with the Croatan tribe due to starvation and hostile conditions. Other theories, including alien involvement, are more speculative. Ultimately, the colony's fate likely lies in the assimilation of settlers with the friendly tribe.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lost colony of Roanoke, founded in 1587, mysteriously disappeared when Governor John White returned after a three-year absence.
• 😀 The colony was abandoned with no signs of the settlers, but strange carvings, 'CRO' and 'CROATAN,' were found on trees.
• 😀 John White had initially intended to land at Chesapeake Bay, but was forced to settle in Roanoke due to a captain's refusal to sail further north.
• 😀 The colony's first years were marked by hostile relations with Native American tribes, leading to an abandoned fort and the loss of 15 men.
• 😀 Sir Richard Grenville, who commanded the first expedition, left 15 men behind at Roanoke, but they too vanished without a trace.
• 😀 White returned to England for supplies, but due to the Spanish Armada crisis, he was delayed for three years, only to find the colony abandoned in 1590.
• 😀 The colonists left no sign of a massacre but left behind valuable possessions, which suggests they may have moved rather than been attacked.
• 😀 White believed the carvings 'CROATAN' indicated the colonists had moved to Hatteras Island with the Croatan tribe, but a storm forced him to return to England without confirming this.
• 😀 A 2013 expedition found European artifacts on Croatan Island, supporting the theory that the settlers joined the Croatan tribe.
• 😀 The theory that the Roanoke colonists were absorbed by the Croatan tribe is considered the most plausible explanation for their disappearance.
• 😀 Despite other theories like alien abductions, evidence points to the colonists choosing to move to a nearby tribe for survival during a time of famine and hostility.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Roanoke colony in American history?

The Roanoke colony is significant because it represents one of the earliest attempts at English colonization in the Americas, and its mysterious disappearance has become one of the most enduring unsolved mysteries in American history.

What did Governor John White discover upon returning to Roanoke in 1590?

Upon returning to Roanoke in 1590, Governor John White discovered that the colony was abandoned. The settlement was overgrown with weeds, and valuable items, including guns and farm equipment, had been left behind. The only clues were the carvings 'CRO' and 'CROATAN' on trees.

What were the original plans for the Roanoke colony, and why were they changed?

The original plan was for the colonists to land in Chesapeake Bay, which would eventually become Jamestown. However, Captain Simon Fernandez forced Governor John White to land in Roanoke instead, where they found no sign of the 15 men who had been left behind in a previous expedition.

What role did the Native American tribes play in the history of the Roanoke colony?

Initially, the Roanoke and Croatan tribes were friendly with the English settlers, helping them establish the colony. However, tensions with other native tribes escalated, contributing to the eventual abandonment of the settlement. The Croatan tribe later became central to the theory that the settlers joined them after abandoning the colony.

What was the importance of Manteo in the Roanoke colony?

Manteo, a member of the Croatan tribe, played a key role in helping Governor John White make peace with the Native Americans. He also became the first baptized Protestant Native American, serving as a bridge between the settlers and the local tribes.

Why did John White leave the colony and go back to England?

John White left the colony to return to England in 1587 in order to secure supplies for the settlers, as they had arrived too late in the season to plant crops. However, due to the impending war with Spain, he was unable to return until 1590, by which time the colony had vanished.

What were the theories about the fate of the Roanoke colonists?

The most widely accepted theory is that the colonists moved south to Hatteras Island, where they joined the Croatan tribe in order to survive due to starvation and hostile neighbors. Other theories suggest they may have been massacred or even abducted by aliens, though these ideas are less likely.

What evidence supports the theory that the settlers joined the Croatan tribe?

Evidence supporting this theory includes the discovery of European artifacts such as a rapier and gun parts on Croatan Island, as well as a change in diet from fish and turtles to deer and birds, suggesting that the settlers may have provided the tribe with European weapons in exchange for food.

What role did the carved messages 'CRO' and 'CROATAN' play in the mystery of Roanoke?

The carvings 'CRO' and 'CROATAN' are key clues in the mystery. White believed that the settlers had moved to Hatteras Island, where the Croatan tribe lived, in response to an emergency. The word 'CROATAN' suggests that they had relocated there for safety, as part of a secret plan to signal their whereabouts.

Why do some theories suggest that the Roanoke colonists were not massacred by Native Americans?

The theory that the colonists were not massacred is supported by the fact that no human remains were found when White returned to Roanoke. If a massacre had occurred, remains would likely have been discovered. This suggests that the colonists may have simply moved to join the Croatans, rather than being killed.