The Roanoke Voyages during the late 16th century

 

The Roanoke Voyages refer to a series of expeditions to establish an English colony in the Americas during the late 16th century. The most well-known of these voyages is often referred to as the "Lost Colony" due to the mysterious disappearance of the settlers.

1. First Roanoke Voyage (1584): Sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer, the first expedition was led by Arthur Barlowe and Philip Amadas. They explored the coast of what is now North Carolina and established friendly relations with local Native American tribes. Their positive reports about the region inspired further expeditions.

2. Second Roanoke Voyage (1585-1586): This expedition, led by Sir Richard Grenville and Ralph Lane, aimed to establish a colony on Roanoke Island. However, due to tensions with the Native Americans and a lack of supplies, the colony struggled. When Sir Francis Drake arrived to offer assistance in 1586, the colonists chose to return to England with him.

3. Third Roanoke Voyage (1587): John White led this expedition, which aimed to establish a more permanent colony on Roanoke Island. White returned to England for supplies, leaving behind a group of colonists, including his granddaughter Virginia Dare, who was the first English child born in the New World. When White returned in 1590, he found the colony abandoned, with the only clue being the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.

The fate of the Roanoke colonists remains a historical mystery. The term "Croatoan" referred to a nearby island and a Native American tribe. Some theories suggest that the settlers may have integrated with local tribes or relocated to a different area. Despite various archaeological and historical investigations, the exact fate of the "Lost Colony" continues to elude researchers.

The Roanoke Voyages are significant in the history of English colonization in the Americas and are often seen as a prelude to the more successful establishment of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. The mystery surrounding the fate of the settlers has captured the imagination of historians and storytellers for centuries.