The Mystery of Roanoke

This chapter explores the early attempts of English colonists at settling Roanoke Island in the late 1580s, detailing their initial successes and subsequent struggles, including food shortages and conflicts with Indigenous peoples. It highlights the mysterious disappearance of the colony upon the return of Governor John White, who found the settlement abandoned with only the clue 'Croatoan' suggesting their fate. The narrative also examines theories of survival, assimilation with local tribes like the Lumbee, and the ongoing enigma surrounding this historical case.