In 1587, John White and more than 100 people from England planned to move to a new place and established a new settlement the Roanoke Colony. After a couple of months, they faced shortages of food and supplies. White planned to return to England in August 1587 for help, but his return was delayed due to the brutal war with the Spanish Armada. When White finally returned in 1590, he found the Roanoke Colony completely deserted—all the people had mysteriously disappeared. The only clues left behind were the carvings “C-R-O” on a tree and “CROATOAN” on a post, possibly referring to a nearby island and a Native American tribe by the same name.
Establishment of Roanoke colony
- In 1587, English mapmaker John White led an expedition to establish a colony in the New World, specifically on Roanoke Island, located near modern-day Hatteras Island. This expedition consisted of 117 people: 87 men, 17 women, 11 children, and White’s pregnant daughter along with her husband. The colonists, mostly middle-class individuals with no land in England, were promised their land in the New World, which was significant because having land in England meant everything.
- Upon arrival in July 1587, White and the colonists faced immediate challenges. The lack of soldiers for security and the presence of hostile Native American tribes, particularly the Secotan and Powhatan, posed serious risks. Additionally, they were quickly running out of food and essential supplies. White’s daughter gave birth to a girl, making her the first English child born in the New World or Virginia, as proclaimed by Queen Elizabeth.
- By August 1587, realizing the dire situation, White planned to return to England for supplies and hoped to return by March 1588. However, his plans were thwarted when Spain attacked England’s Royal Navy and Queen Elizabeth ordered all vessels to return to England and focus on repelling the Spanish Armada. Consequently, White was unable to return to Roanoke.
- On the other hand, Vicente Gonzalez on the order of the King of Spain went to research about Queen’s proclaimed new world. Gonzalez came across the Port Ferdinand along the outer banks. He assumed this would be the Queen’s new world. King planned to launch an attack but left the plan incomplete after defeat by England.
- After the war ended in 1590 White was stuck in England. When White finally returned in 1590, he found the colony deserted with no signs of those colonists. He searched the Island find the only clues left behind were the words “CRO” carved into a tree and “CROATON” carved into a wooden post.
- CROATON had dual meanings: it was the name of an island 50 miles south of Roanoke (present-day Hatteras Island) and also the name of a Native American tribe
Theories on the Disappearance of the Roanoke Colonists
Since the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists, several theories have been proposed:
- Assimilation with Native American Tribes: Some researchers suggest that the colonists assimilated into local Native American tribes. Evidence supporting this includes artifacts found on Hatteras Island (Croaton) that were used by English settlers, such as the Dare Stones (48 stones), which are believed to have been carved by White’s daughter. It is also assumed that the colonists may have moved west, as Croaton Island might have been too small to accommodate all the settlers.
- Annihilation by Native American Tribes: Another theory posits that the colonists were annihilated by hostile tribes like the Powhatan and Secotan. These tribes were known to be aggressive and might have attacked the settlers.
- Famine and Disease: Some scholars believe that the colonists succumbed to famine and disease before any local tribes could intervene. The lack of supplies and the harsh conditions might have led to their demise.
- Attempted Return to England: Another theory suggests that the colonists tried to sail back to England using a ship left behind by the 1587 expedition. This ship could have been lost at sea, leading to the disappearance of the colonists.
- Spanish Attack: The theory that Spanish forces, aware of the English presence at Roanoke and wishing to eliminate the new threat, might have attacked the colony has also been considered. However, the Spanish did not act on this plan because they focused on the war with England.
Further Investigations and Discoveries
- Walter Raleigh, who was initially indifferent to the colonists’ fate, eventually planned an investigation. In 1595, he reached the Outer Banks, but his primary focus was the legendary city of gold, El Dorado, rather than the Roanoke colonists. Subsequent researchers, such as William Strachey in the early 1600s, speculated about a massacre at Roanoke. John Lawson, a researcher who visited Hatteras Island between 1701 and 1709, was interested in the Roanoke Colony, but it faded over time.
- In 1837, a magazine article referred to the Roanoke Colony as “the Lost City,” sparking renewed interest. Despite numerous investigations and theories, no definitive evidence has been found regarding the fate of the Roanoke colonists.
Conclusion
The fate of the Roanoke Colony remains a haunting mystery. When John White returned in 1590 from England, three years after he didn’t find a single person, he found only cryptic carvings, “CRO” and “CROATON,” left behind as clues. Despite numerous theories—ranging from assimilation with Native American tribes, disease, famine, or even a failed attempt to return to England—no definitive answer has emerged. Over the centuries, investigators and historians have tried to unravel the mystery, but Roanoke’s ultimate fate continues to elude discovery. Still, many scientists and researchers are stuck on this mystery trying hard to solve it. Hoping one day we’ll find its truth.
This article presents a clear chronological narrative and a structured overview of the theories surrounding the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists.