More than five centuries ago, a group of English colonists living at a settlement on North Carolina’s Roanoke Island disappeared without a trace. Since then, the mystery of the “Lost Colony” has gripped the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and amateur sleuths alike. Now, researchers have made leeway in unraveling what may have happened to this ill-fated group.
The chilling history of the Roanoke Island settlement explained
In 1585, the first Roanoke Island colony—situated off the east coast of North Carolina—was founded by famed English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. After it failed to get off the ground, the colony was reestablished by Raleigh’s compatriot, an explorer and artist named John White. In 1587, a second group of 115 settlers arrived on the island, with White serving as the governor. Unfortunately, the settlement struggled to strike an accord with local indigenous tribes.
Compelled to return to England for provisions and support, White departed the colony. However, the Anglo-Spanish War delayed his return to North America for three years. When he finally arrived at Roanoke Island, White was shocked to find the colony abandoned. Everyone, including his daughter, his son-in-law, and his infant granddaughter, had vanished.
The only clues that White found were the letters “CRO” carved into a tree and the word “CROATOAN” etched into a gatepost. White assumed that the colonists may have relocated to Croatoan Island, approximately 50 miles south and home of the Croatoan people. He returned to England before he could conduct a thorough search.
Roanoke Island settlement: A lost colony no more?
Since 2009, archaeologist Scott Dawson and his team have conducted research on Croatoan Island, now known as Hatteras Island, in a bid to uncover the fate of the Lost Colony. For their efforts, they have discovered an array of 16th-century artifacts, including copper rings and glass items. This suggests that these colonists left Roanoke Island and had migrated and assimilated with different indigenous tribes in the region, including the Croatoan people.
Additionally, evidence of mixed architectural styles, a blend of European and indigenous building techniques, reinforces the theory that the colonists resided on Hatteras Island for several decades. Dawson believed they adapted to their new surroundings while repurposing European goods into valuable tools.
Meanwhile, back at Roanoke Island, recent archaeological work conducted by the First Colony Foundation at the Elizabethan Gardens in the city of Manteo has unveiled important aspects of the island’s indigenous history. Notably, excavations carried out in March 2024 revealed shards of Algonquin pottery and pieces of copper jewelry.
Based on the foundation’s conclusions, the presence of these particular artifacts confirms the existence of a settlement, with trade relationships existing between English colonists and local tribes.
Competing theories surround the fate of the Lost Colony
Supported by the archaeological evidence on Hatteras and Roanoke Islands, it’s theorized that the colonists sought refuge with the Croatoan people and other indigenous tribes. They adopted local practices, leading to their eventual assimilation into Native American culture.
Factors such as harsh weather conditions or food shortages are believed to have contributed to the colonists’ decision to relocate.
Conversely, earlier hostilities with these tribes support another theory that the colonists may have been killed by them or were forced to flee their settlement in search of safety either inland or to other coastal areas.
Although the fate of the Lost Colony remains a mystery, the discoveries made by these researchers provide a glimmer of hope. It’s heartening to think that the colonists did not perish and that they forged meaningful connections with the indigenous people while making new lives for themselves. Through ongoing research, it brings us closer to understanding their story.