The Lost Colony of Roanoke

Sir Humphrey Gilbert In 1553, Gilbert discovers New Foundland Claims it for Queen Elizabeth I Died at sea

Sir Walter Raleigh England wants land in North America Raleigh is given permission to claim land in North America Claims Roanoke Island in the name of Queen Elizabeth I

Roanoke Colony – Attempt #1 1585, 100 men were sent to colonize Roanoke Colony Set up the colony of the coast of modern day North Carolina Things were so rough during the winter, they returned to England

Roanoke Colony – Attempt #2 1587, Raleigh sends another group of settlers 91 men, 17 women, and 9 children Lead by John White White’s pregnant daughter was one of the women…she gave birth to White’s granddaughter, Virginia Dare in Roanoke

Roanoke Colony – Attempt #2 After getting everyone settled, White needs to return to England for more supplies After he arrives back in England, White gets stuck there for three years because England is at War with Spain and the Ocean passage is blocked

White Returns… 3 years later, White returns to Roanoke Colony was deserted of all inhabitants The only clue was the word “Croatoan” carved on a gatepost

And they were never seen again… What do you think happened to them?

Where did they go… No sign of the Roanoke colonists was ever found. There are three theories for what could have happened:

Where did they go… They died from disease or hunger. They were killed by Native Americans They were blended in to a Native American tribe