How Did A Whole Village Disappear? (The Lost Colony of Roanoke Mystery)
Published -
- August 4, 2019
- 4:15 pm
The Lost Colony of Roanoke has been a mystery for years, and little information has come forward to help scientists solve the suspicious case.
In today’s video we try and crack what actually happened to the settlers of Roanoke, what the theories are and why is this still a mystery!
What evidence has been found on Hatteras Island that may be linked to the lost colony?
How Did A Whole Village Disappear? (The Lost Colony of Roanoke Mystery)
In the 16th century, a group of English settlers arrived on the shores of what is now known as the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with the intention of establishing a permanent settlement. The group of approximately 120 men, women, and children arrived on the island of Roanoke in 1587, before disappearing without a trace.
The Lost Colony of Roanoke has become one of the most enduring mysteries in American history, with countless theories postulated over the years, but no definitive answer.
The settlers arrived on Roanoke Island in July 1587, led by John White, a seasoned traveler and artist. The group consisted of 91 men, 17 women, and 9 children. Among them was White’s daughter, Eleanor, who gave birth to a daughter, Virginia, shortly after arriving on the island. Virginia Dare was the first English child to be born in America.
When John White departed for England in 1587, he left the settlers with the expectation that he would return within the year, accompanied by fresh supplies and additional settlers. However, White’s return to the colony was fraught with delays, primarily due to England’s ongoing battle against the Spanish Armada.
White’s eventual return to Roanoke Island, three years after departing in 1587, was met with scenes of devastation. The settlement appeared to have been abandoned for some time, with no signs of life. The buildings had been dismantled, and the only evidence of the colony’s existence were the words “Croatoan” and “Cro” carved into a fence post and tree, respectively.
The disappearance of the Roanoke colonists has been the subject of speculation for centuries, with theories ranging from disease and famine to warfare with local Native American tribes. However, the most popular theory remains that the settlers moved to the nearby Croatoan Island, which is now known as Hatteras Island, and assimilated with the local Croatoan tribe.
Despite extensive research and excavation efforts, no definitive proof of the colonists’ fate has been discovered. In 2015, a team of archaeologists discovered a series of artifacts on Hatteras Island, including an iron bar, glass beads, and pottery fragments, which may be evidence of the lost colony. However, more research is needed before any conclusive claims can be made.
The mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke has captivated historians, archaeologists, and amateur sleuths for centuries, and it remains one of the most enigmatic stories in American history. Whether the settlers were assimilated by the Croatoan tribe, met a tragic end due to disease or violence, or simply disappeared into the wilderness, we may never know the truth. However, the story of the Lost Colony will continue to fascinate and intrigue us for generations to come.
