The Roanoke Colony, also known as the “Lost Colony,” is one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. In 1587, a group of English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, to establish a permanent colony. However, when a supply ship returned three years later, the colony was completely abandoned with no trace of the settlers. To this day, the fate of the Roanoke Colony remains a mystery. Here are 10 facts that make this unsolved mystery even more intriguing.
The First English Child Born in America
The Roanoke Colony was the first English attempt at establishing a permanent settlement in the New World. It was also the birthplace of the first English child born in America, Virginia Dare. Her parents were Eleanor and Ananias Dare, members of the original group of settlers.
Mysterious Roanoke Colony – The Mysterious Word “Croatoan”
When the supply ship returned to Roanoke Island in 1590, they found the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. This was the only clue left behind by the missing colonists. Some believe it was a message indicating that the colonists had moved to the nearby Croatoan Island, while others believe it was a distress signal.
The CROATOAN Carving
In addition to the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree, the letters “CROATOAN” were also found carved into a post at the abandoned settlement. This has led some to believe that the colonists were in a hurry to leave and were trying to leave a message for anyone who might come looking for them.
The Missing Fort
When the supply ship arrived at Roanoke Island, they found the fort completely dismantled. This was unusual, as the colonists had spent a significant amount of time and resources building the fort. It is unclear why they would have taken it apart before leaving.
The Abandoned Possessions
The supply ship also found that the colonists had left behind all of their possessions, including valuable items such as weapons and tools. This suggests that they did not leave willingly and may have been taken by force.
The Mysterious Map
John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony, created a map of the area during his time there. The map is filled with strange symbols and markings, leading some to believe that it holds clues to the fate of the colonists.
The “Lost Colony” Name
The Roanoke Colony is often referred to as the “Lost Colony” because of the mysterious disappearance of its inhabitants. This name has only added to the intrigue and mystery surrounding the colony.
Theories of What Happened
Over the years, many theories have been proposed to explain the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. Some believe they were killed by Native Americans, while others think they may have integrated into local tribes. Some even believe they may have been abducted by aliens.
The New Evidence
In 2015, archaeologists discovered a piece of pottery on Hatteras Island that may have belonged to the Roanoke colonists. This has sparked new interest and theories about what may have happened to the missing settlers.
The Unsolved Mystery
Despite numerous theories and new evidence, the fate of the Roanoke Colony remains a mystery. The lack of concrete evidence and the passage of time have only added to the enigma of the “Lost Colony.”
The Roanoke Colony continues to capture the imagination of people around the world, and these 10 facts only add to its enduring mystery. Do you have any theories about what happened to the Roanoke colonists? Let us know in the comments.
