What Happened To The Colonists Of Roanoke Island

The mystery surrounding the Roanoke Island colony remains one of the most perplexing cold cases in American history. In 1587, a group of English settlers, led by John White, established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. Just three years later, in 1590, the colony was found deserted, leaving behind only a few clues and a haunting enigma that has captivated historians and researchers for centuries. What happened to the colonists of Roanoke Island? This article delves into the historical context, the key events leading to the colony's disappearance, the clues left behind, the various theories proposed, and the ongoing search for answers to this enduring mystery.

Introduction

The story of the Roanoke Island colony is shrouded in mystery and speculation, turning it into one of the most debated chapters in early American history. Founded with hopes of establishing a permanent English settlement in the New World, the Roanoke colony met an unknown fate that continues to baffle historians and archaeologists. Understanding the backdrop against which this colony was established is crucial to appreciating the complexities of its disappearance.

The late 16th century was a time of intense rivalry between European powers, particularly England and Spain. England, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, was eager to expand its influence and wealth through colonization. The New World, with its abundant resources and strategic importance, became a prime target for English exploration and settlement. Sir Walter Raleigh, a prominent English explorer and courtier, obtained a charter to establish a colony in what he named Virginia, in honor of the "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I.

The Initial Voyages and Settlements

Prior to the ill-fated 1587 expedition, there were earlier attempts to establish an English presence in Roanoke. In 1584, Raleigh sent an exploratory expedition to the region, led by Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe. They returned with positive reports of the land and its potential, which fueled further interest in colonization. The following year, in 1585, Raleigh sponsored a larger expedition led by Sir Richard Grenville, which established a military outpost on Roanoke Island. This initial settlement, however, was plagued by conflicts with the local Native American tribes and internal strife among the colonists. After a difficult year, the colonists, under the leadership of Ralph Lane, abandoned the settlement in 1586 when Sir Francis Drake arrived unexpectedly after raiding Spanish settlements in the Caribbean. Drake offered them passage back to England, which they gratefully accepted.

The 1587 Expedition: A New Start

Despite the setbacks of the previous attempts, Raleigh remained determined to establish a permanent colony in Virginia. In 1587, he organized a new expedition, this time with a focus on establishing a self-sustaining civilian settlement. The expedition was led by John White, an artist and cartographer who had accompanied the earlier voyages. White's role was not only to lead the colonists but also to document the New World through his illustrations. This expedition consisted of about 115 men, women, and children, setting sail with the hopes of creating a thriving English community in the New World.

The colonists arrived at Roanoke Island in July 1587, only to find the existing settlement abandoned and overgrown. They had intended to settle further north in the Chesapeake Bay area, but the ship's pilot, Simon Fernandes, refused to take them there, leaving them at Roanoke. Shortly after their arrival, tragedy struck when one of the colonists, George Howe, was killed by Native Americans while crabbing alone. Despite this setback, the colonists began the work of rebuilding the settlement and establishing a new life.

John White's Return to England

Just a few weeks after their arrival, the colonists faced a critical decision. They were running low on supplies and needed to appeal to Raleigh and the English government for assistance. John White, as the governor of the colony, was chosen to return to England to plead their case. He reluctantly agreed, knowing that his presence in England was essential for securing the necessary support. Before leaving, White's daughter, Eleanor Dare, gave birth to a daughter, Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World.

White departed for England in late August 1587, fully expecting to return to Roanoke within a few months with the needed supplies and reinforcements. However, his return was delayed by the outbreak of war between England and Spain. The English government, preoccupied with defending against the Spanish Armada, commandeered all available ships, including those intended for supplying the Roanoke colony.

The Spanish Armada and the Delay

The Spanish Armada, a massive fleet sent by King Philip II of Spain to invade England, posed a grave threat to English security. The English navy, though smaller, managed to defeat the Armada in 1588, marking a turning point in the Anglo-Spanish War. However, the war continued, and White's return to Roanoke was further delayed. It was not until three years later, in 1590, that White was finally able to secure passage back to Roanoke Island.

The Discovery of the Abandoned Colony

When John White finally returned to Roanoke Island on August 18, 1590, he found the colony deserted. The houses had been dismantled, and there were no signs of a struggle or violence. The only clues left behind were the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post of the palisade surrounding the settlement and the letters "CRO" carved into a nearby tree. These markings immediately suggested to White that the colonists had moved to Croatoan Island (present-day Hatteras Island), the home of the Croatoan Native American tribe, who were known to be friendly to the English.

White had instructed the colonists to carve a Maltese cross if they were forced to leave due to danger, but no such symbol was found. This led him to believe that the colonists had relocated peacefully. Despite this hope, White was unable to search for the colonists on Croatoan Island due to an approaching storm and the reluctance of his ship's captain to delay their return to England.

Clues and Mysteries

The disappearance of the Roanoke colonists has left behind a series of clues and mysteries that have fueled speculation and research for centuries. The word "CROATOAN" remains the most significant clue, suggesting a possible integration or alliance with the Croatoan tribe. However, the lack of a Maltese cross indicating distress leaves room for alternative interpretations.

Other clues include the absence of any signs of a violent struggle, indicating that the colonists likely left the settlement voluntarily. The dismantled houses suggest a planned departure, rather than a hasty escape. However, the abandonment of valuable items and supplies raises questions about the circumstances of their departure.

Theories and Speculations

Over the years, numerous theories have been proposed to explain the fate of the Roanoke colonists. These theories range from assimilation with Native American tribes to death by disease, starvation, or conflict.

Assimilation with Native American Tribes

One of the most widely accepted theories is that the colonists assimilated with local Native American tribes, particularly the Croatoan. This theory is supported by the "CROATOAN" carving and the historical accounts of friendly relations between the colonists and the Croatoan. Archaeological evidence has also revealed European artifacts at Native American sites in the region, suggesting some level of interaction and integration.

Attack or Conflict with Native Americans

Another theory suggests that the colonists were attacked or killed by hostile Native American tribes. While the initial interactions between the colonists and the Native Americans were generally positive, tensions could have escalated due to competition for resources or cultural misunderstandings. However, the lack of evidence of a violent struggle at the Roanoke settlement makes this theory less likely.

Disease or Starvation

Disease and starvation are also plausible explanations for the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. The colonists were ill-prepared for the harsh conditions of the New World, and they may have succumbed to diseases to which they had no immunity. Additionally, the colony's reliance on supplies from England made them vulnerable to starvation if those supplies were delayed or interrupted.

The Lost Colony of the Cherokee

A more recent theory, presented by researchers Scott Dawson and Ed Schrader, suggests that the Roanoke colonists may have moved inland and integrated with the Cherokee tribe. This theory is based on archaeological evidence and oral traditions of the Cherokee, which speak of a group of white settlers joining their community. Dawson and Schrader have identified several sites in the interior of North Carolina that show evidence of European artifacts and construction techniques, suggesting a possible link to the Roanoke colonists.

Archaeological Investigations

Archaeological investigations have played a crucial role in uncovering clues about the fate of the Roanoke colonists. The First Colony Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to researching the Roanoke colony, has conducted extensive excavations at various sites in the Roanoke Island and Hatteras Island regions. These excavations have revealed valuable insights into the lives of the colonists and their interactions with the Native American tribes.

One significant discovery was the finding of European artifacts at the Croatoan (Hatteras) Island site, including pottery shards, metal objects, and other items that suggest a European presence. These findings support the theory that the colonists relocated to Croatoan Island and integrated with the local Native American population.

The Ongoing Search for Answers

The mystery of the Roanoke Island colony continues to intrigue researchers and historians, and the search for answers is ongoing. Modern technology, such as DNA analysis and ground-penetrating radar, is being used to analyze artifacts and identify potential settlement sites. Researchers are also studying historical documents and Native American oral traditions in the hope of uncovering new clues about the fate of the colonists.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the Roanoke Island colony remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history. Despite centuries of research and speculation, the fate of the 115 English settlers remains unknown. The most plausible theory is that the colonists assimilated with local Native American tribes, particularly the Croatoan, but other explanations, such as disease, starvation, or conflict, cannot be ruled out.

The enduring mystery of the Roanoke colony serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by the early European settlers in the New World. It also highlights the importance of historical research and archaeological investigations in uncovering the stories of the past. As technology advances and new evidence comes to light, there is hope that one day the full story of the Roanoke colonists will be revealed, bringing closure to this enduring enigma.

The mystery of Roanoke is more than just a historical puzzle; it's a human story of hope, survival, and the unknown. What do you think happened to the colonists?