Roanoke Colony

Quick Facts: Who was Roanoke Colony?

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Roanoke Colony

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The mysterious, failed English settlement in North America between 1584 and 1590.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Roanoke Colony (, ROH-ə-nohk) was the site of two attempts by Sir Walter Raleigh to found the first permanent English settlement in North America. The first colony was established at Roanoke Island in 1585 as a military outpost, and was evacuated in 1586. The more famous second colony, known as the Lost Colony, began when a new group of settlers under John White arrived on the island in 1587; a ship in 1590 found the colony abandoned. Roanoke Colony was founded by Governor Ralph Lane in 1585 on Roanoke Island in present-day Dare County, North Carolina. Poor relations with some of the local Native American tribes and a lack of supplies troubled Lane's colony.

Career & Major Achievements

A resupply mission by Sir Richard Grenville was delayed, so Lane abandoned the colony and returned to England with Sir Francis Drake in 1586. Grenville arrived two weeks later and also returned home, leaving behind a small detachment to protect Raleigh's claim. A second expedition led by John White landed on the island in 1587. Sir Walter Raleigh had sent him to establish the "Cittie of Raleigh" on the Chesapeake Bay. During a stop to check on Grenville's men, ship's pilot Simon Fernandes forced White and his colonists to remain on Roanoke.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

White returned to England with Fernandes, intending to bring more supplies in 1588. The Anglo-Spanish War delayed his return to Roanoke until 1590, and he found the settlement fortified but abandoned. The word "CROATOAN" was found carved into the palisade, which White interpreted to mean that the colonists had relocated to Croatoan Island. Before he could follow this lead, rough seas and a lost anchor forced the mission to return to England. That attempt became known as the "Lost Colony".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1585: 1585 Milestone — The first colony was established at Roanoke Island in 1585 as a military outpost, and was evacuated in 1586.
2. 1586: 1586 Milestone — A resupply mission by Sir Richard Grenville was delayed, so Lane abandoned the colony and returned to England with Sir Francis Drake in 1586.
3. 1587: 1587 Milestone — The more famous second colony, known as the Lost Colony, began when a new group of settlers under John White arrived on the island in 1587; a ship in 1590 found the colony abandoned.
4. 1588: 1588 Milestone — White returned to England with Fernandes, intending to bring more supplies in 1588.
5. 1590: 1590 Milestone — The Anglo-Spanish War delayed his return to Roanoke until 1590, and he found the settlement fortified but abandoned.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Roanoke Colony

True or False: “Did the colonists of Roanoke leave behind a clear written message indicating their final destination?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the word 'CROATOAN' was found carved on the palisade, this only indicated a possible relocation to Croatoan Island, not a definitive final destination.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Roanoke Colony