History is filled with puzzles, but few are as haunting and persistent as the mystery of Roanoke Colony. In the late 16th century, over 100 English settlers, including women and children, vanished from their new home on Roanoke Island, leaving behind only a deserted settlement and a single, cryptic clue carved into a post: “Croatoan.”
This article explores the strange and unsettling story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke and examines the most compelling theories about their fate.
The Voyage to a New World
In 1587, a group of English colonists led by Governor John White arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of modern-day North Carolina. Among them was Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas. With supplies running low, John White was forced to sail back to England for reinforcements, leaving behind his family and the other settlers.
He expected to return within a few months. However, the Anglo-Spanish War delayed his voyage for three long years. When he finally returned in August 1590, on his granddaughter’s third birthday, he found the settlement completely abandoned.
The Eerie Clues Left Behind
There were no signs of a struggle. Houses had been carefully dismantled, and the area was fortified, suggesting the colonists had not left in a panic. The only tangible clue was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a fence post. The letters “CRO” were also found on a nearby tree.
White knew that Croatoan was the name of a nearby island (now Hatteras Island) and the name of a friendly Native American tribe who lived there. Before he left, he had agreed with the colonists that if they moved, they would carve their destination, adding a Maltese cross if they were in danger. There was no cross.
What Happened to the Lost Colony? Three Leading Theories
For centuries, historians and archaeologists have debated the fate of the settlers. Here are the three most prominent theories.
- Assimilation with Native Tribes: This is the most widely accepted theory. The colonists, struggling to survive, may have sought refuge with the nearby Croatoan people or other local tribes. Over time, they would have integrated, marrying into the tribes and adopting their culture.
- Attacked and Wiped Out: Another possibility is that the colonists were attacked. While their relationship with the Croatoan was friendly, they had tense relations with other mainland tribes. The lack of bodies or signs of a battle makes this theory less likely.
- A Perilous Journey Gone Wrong: A third theory suggests the colonists attempted to sail back to England on their own. The dismantled housing could have been used to build or repair a ship. Ill-equipped for a transatlantic journey, they would have almost certainly been lost at sea.
Despite numerous archaeological digs, the fate of the Lost Colony remains one of America’s most profound unsolved mysteries.
