What Happened To The Colony At Roanoke Island

The mystery of the Roanoke Colony is one of the most enduring and perplexing enigmas in American history. In 1587, a group of English settlers, led by Governor John White, established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. Just a few years later, the colony vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a few cryptic clues. What happened to the Roanoke colonists? This question has haunted historians, archaeologists, and the public for centuries, sparking countless theories and debates. Let's delve into the story of Roanoke, examining the historical context, the events leading up to the disappearance, the evidence left behind, the most popular theories, and the ongoing search for answers.

The Roanoke Colony: A Prelude to Disaster

Roanoke Island was not England's first attempt at establishing a foothold in the New World. Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and courtier, had previously sponsored expeditions to the region in the 1580s. These initial voyages aimed to scout the land, establish relations with the local Native American tribes, and assess the feasibility of establishing a permanent English settlement.

The first Roanoke expedition, in 1584, was primarily a reconnaissance mission. Captains Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe explored the coastline and made contact with the Croatoan and Secotan tribes. Their positive reports spurred Raleigh to plan a larger, more ambitious colonizing effort.

In 1585, the first attempt at colonization was launched. Ralph Lane was appointed governor, and a military-focused settlement was established. This initial colony, however, was plagued by food shortages, strained relations with the Native Americans (due to English impatience and suspicion), and a general lack of preparedness. After a tense winter, the colonists were rescued by Sir Francis Drake, who happened to be sailing by after raiding Spanish settlements in the Caribbean. They abandoned Roanoke and returned to England.

Despite the failure of the first attempt, Raleigh remained determined to establish a permanent English presence in North America. In 1587, he organized a second colony, this time composed of families, including women and children, with the intent of establishing a self-sustaining community. John White, an artist and cartographer who had participated in previous expeditions, was appointed governor. The group of approximately 115 colonists set sail for Roanoke Island, hoping to create a new life in the New World.

The Lost Colony: The Disappearance

The colonists arrived at Roanoke Island in July 1587. They found the settlement from the previous expedition abandoned and overgrown. Shortly after their arrival, tensions with the local Native Americans flared up again. One of the colonists was killed by a member of a hostile tribe, further straining relations.

Governor White, realizing the colony was in dire need of supplies, made the difficult decision to return to England. He left behind his daughter, Eleanor Dare, her husband Ananias Dare, and their newborn daughter Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America.

White's departure was meant to be temporary, but upon his arrival in England, he found the country on the brink of war with Spain. The Anglo-Spanish War, culminating in the Spanish Armada of 1588, consumed all of England's resources and attention. White was unable to secure a ship to return to Roanoke until 1590, three long years after he had left.

When White finally returned to Roanoke Island, he found the colony deserted. The houses had been dismantled, and there were no signs of a struggle or forced evacuation. The only clues were the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post of the palisade surrounding the settlement and the letters "CRO" carved into a tree. Croatoan was the name of a nearby island (modern-day Hatteras Island) and the Native American tribe living there.

White had instructed the colonists to carve a Maltese cross on a tree if they were forced to leave under duress. The absence of this signal suggested that the colonists had left Roanoke Island voluntarily. Despite this, the fate of the colonists remained a mystery. White searched for them on Croatoan Island but was unable to find any trace of them. A storm forced him to abandon his search and return to England.

The Evidence: Clues and Conundrums

The "CROATOAN" carving is the most significant piece of evidence left behind by the Roanoke colonists. It suggests that they may have sought refuge with the Croatoan tribe on Hatteras Island. This theory is supported by historical accounts of friendly relations between the colonists and the Croatoan, as well as archaeological evidence suggesting European artifacts were later found on Hatteras Island.

Another clue is the absence of a Maltese cross, which indicates the colonists left Roanoke Island without being forced. This suggests that they were not attacked or captured by hostile forces, but rather made a deliberate decision to relocate.

Over the years, archaeological digs on Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island have uncovered various artifacts, including English coins, tools, and pottery shards. These findings provide tangible evidence of the colonists' presence and interactions with the Native Americans. However, they do not definitively explain what happened to the colonists themselves.

One persistent and controversial piece of "evidence" is the Dare Stones. These stones, supposedly carved by Eleanor Dare, John White's daughter, detailed the colonists' struggles and eventual demise. However, their authenticity has been widely disputed, and most historians consider them to be a hoax.

Theories on the Fate of the Roanoke Colonists

The disappearance of the Roanoke Colony has spawned numerous theories, ranging from plausible explanations to far-fetched speculations. Here are some of the most prominent theories:

• Assimilation with Native American Tribes: This is the most widely accepted theory. It suggests that the colonists, facing starvation and dwindling resources, sought refuge with friendly Native American tribes, particularly the Croatoan. Over time, they assimilated into the tribe, intermarrying and adopting their customs. This theory is supported by the "CROATOAN" carving, historical accounts of friendly relations between the colonists and the Croatoan, and the discovery of European artifacts on Hatteras Island. There are even some Native American communities in North Carolina that claim descent from the Roanoke colonists, citing family stories and physical resemblances as evidence.
• Attack by Hostile Native American Tribes: This theory posits that the colonists were attacked and killed by hostile Native American tribes, such as the Powhatan, who were known to be aggressive towards European settlers. While there is no direct evidence of such an attack, it is possible that the colonists were victims of intertribal warfare or retaliation for previous conflicts. However, the absence of signs of a struggle on Roanoke Island makes this theory less likely.
• Starvation and Disease: The colonists may have succumbed to starvation and disease due to poor planning, inadequate supplies, and harsh environmental conditions. The colony was established late in the growing season, and the colonists may have been unable to cultivate enough food to sustain themselves through the winter. Disease, such as dysentery or typhoid fever, could have also decimated the population. While this theory is plausible, it does not explain the complete disappearance of the colonists and their belongings.
• Spanish Attack: During the late 16th century, England and Spain were engaged in a fierce rivalry for control of the New World. It is possible that a Spanish raiding party discovered the Roanoke Colony and attacked the settlers, either killing them or taking them captive. While there is no direct evidence of Spanish involvement, it is a plausible scenario given the historical context.
• Lost at Sea: The colonists may have attempted to sail back to England or to another English settlement but were lost at sea due to storms or navigational errors. This theory is less likely, as it would not explain the dismantling of the houses on Roanoke Island.
• Relocation to the Mainland: Some historians theorize that the colonists may have moved further inland, seeking a more secure location and better resources. They may have established a new settlement in the interior of North Carolina, where they were eventually absorbed by Native American tribes or succumbed to disease and starvation.
• Supernatural Causes: As with any enduring mystery, there are also theories involving supernatural forces, such as curses, witchcraft, or demonic intervention. These theories are based on folklore and speculation and lack any credible evidence.

The Ongoing Search for Answers

The mystery of the Roanoke Colony continues to fascinate and intrigue people today. Historians, archaeologists, and amateur sleuths are still actively searching for clues that may shed light on the fate of the lost colonists.

Archaeological excavations on Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island have yielded valuable information about the colonists' lives and interactions with the Native Americans. New technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar and DNA analysis, are being used to examine potential settlement sites and identify possible descendants of the colonists.

Historical research is also ongoing, with scholars examining primary source documents and records from the 16th century in search of new insights into the Roanoke mystery. The discovery of previously unknown letters, maps, or other documents could potentially provide crucial clues about the fate of the colony.

The Lost Colony, an outdoor symphonic drama, has been performed on Roanoke Island every summer since 1937. The play tells the story of the Roanoke Colony and its disappearance, bringing the mystery to life for audiences of all ages. While the play is a work of fiction, it is based on historical research and provides a compelling narrative of the events leading up to the colony's disappearance.

The search for answers to the Roanoke mystery is not just an academic pursuit; it is also a personal one for many people who feel a connection to the lost colonists. Some descendants of the Dare family still live in North Carolina, and they are actively involved in efforts to uncover the truth about their ancestors' fate.

Conclusion

The mystery of the Roanoke Colony remains one of the greatest unsolved puzzles in American history. While numerous theories have been proposed, none provide a definitive explanation for the disappearance of the colonists. The most plausible theory is that the colonists assimilated with friendly Native American tribes, but the exact details of their fate remain unknown.

The enduring appeal of the Roanoke mystery lies in its ambiguity and the tantalizing possibility of uncovering new clues. The story of the lost colony serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by the early English settlers in North America, and the complex interactions between Europeans and Native Americans.

As technology advances and historical research continues, there is always hope that new discoveries will shed light on the fate of the Roanoke Colony. Until then, the mystery will continue to captivate and inspire us, reminding us of the enduring power of the unknown. What do you think happened to the colony at Roanoke Island? Do you believe they assimilated, or did some other, more tragic fate befall them?