Lost Colony of Roanoke
117 colonists vanished. The only clue: 'CROATOAN' carved into a post. The governor returned after three years to find everyone gone. No bodies, no struggle, just silence. America's oldest unsolved mystery.
The Lost Colony of Roanoke is America’s oldest mystery—117 English colonists who disappeared between 1587 and 1590, leaving only the word “CROATOAN” carved into a wooden post.
The Colony
According to historical records:
In 1587:
- 117 colonists arrived on Roanoke Island
- Led by John White
- Included men, women, and children
- Virginia Dare was born—the first English child in the Americas
- Governor White left for England to get supplies
The Disappearance
White’s return was delayed by the Spanish Armada:
- He finally returned in 1590—three years later
- The settlement was deserted
- No sign of struggle
- Buildings had been dismantled
- The word “CROATOAN” was carved on a post
- “CRO” was carved on a nearby tree
The Clue
“CROATOAN” referred to:
- A nearby island (now Hatteras Island)
- The Croatoan tribe of Native Americans
- Possibly where the colonists went
- White couldn’t investigate due to weather
Theories
Integrated with Native Americans: Colonists joined the Croatoan or other tribes. Some evidence supports this.
Moved Inland: They relocated to the mainland and were absorbed by other communities.
Killed by Natives: Attacked and killed, though no evidence of violence was found.
Killed by Spanish: Spanish forces may have eliminated them.
Starvation/Disease: They died and their remains scattered.
Evidence for Integration
Supporting the survival theory:
- Later explorers reported blue-eyed Native Americans
- Some natives spoke English words
- Oral traditions mentioned white ancestors
- The Lumbee Tribe claims descent from survivors
The Lost Colony DNA Project
Modern research:
- Seeks descendants of colonists among Native Americans
- Uses DNA testing
- Has found some potential matches
- Work continues
Archaeological Finds
Recent discoveries:
- English artifacts at Croatoan/Hatteras sites
- A buried ring with English design
- Trade goods mixed with native materials
- Suggests colonists may have been there
What Probably Happened
Most historians believe:
- The colonists relocated
- They joined Native American groups
- Some may have survived for years
- Descendants may still exist
Why It Matters
The Lost Colony:
- Is America’s first great mystery
- Represents the dangers early colonists faced
- Shows the complexity of early Anglo-Native relations
- Continues to fascinate researchers