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History's Greatest Mysteries The Lost Colony of Roanoke
"The first Discovery and Settlement of this Country was by the Procurement of Sir Walter Raleigh, in Conjunction with some publick-spirited Gentlemen of that Age, under the Protection of Queen Elizabeth; for which Reason it was then named Virginia, being begun on that Part called Ronoak-Island, where the Ruins of a Fort are to be seen at this day, as well as some old English Coins which have been lately found; and a Brass-Gun, a Powder-Horn, and one small Quarter deck-Gun, made of Iron Staves, and hoop'd with the same Metal; which Method of making Guns might very probably be made use of in those Days, for the Convenience of Infant-Colonies." – John Lawson
Nearly 20 years before Jamestown was settled, the English established one of the earliest colonies in North America around the Chesapeake Bay region, until the colony had over 100 inhabitants. Like other early settlements, Roanoke struggled to survive in its infancy, to the extent that the colony’s leader, John White, sailed back to England in 1587 in an effort to bring more supplies and help. However, the attempts to bring back supplies were thwarted by the Spanish in the midst of the Anglo-Spanish War going on at the time, and it was not until 1590 that White reached Roanoke again.
What White found when he came back to Roanoke led to one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. Despite the fact he had left over 100 people in Roanoke in 1587, White returned to literally nothing, with all traces of the settlement gone and no evidence of fighting or anything else that might have explained the disappearance of the inhabitants. White found the word “Croatoan” carved on a tree nearby, which he figured might mean the colonists moved to a nearby island, but he was unable to conduct a search expedition there. The Spanish also searched for the colony in hopes of wiping it out themselves, but none of the Europeans could find Roanoke’s colonists or explain what happened to the “lost” colony.
The fate of Roanoke has fascinated people for over 400 years, and there is no shortage of theories regarding the disappearance of the colony. In addition to the possibility that the settlers moved to Croatoan island, most theories speculate that they were either wiped out by nearby Native Americans or assimilated among a tribe; as historian John Lawson put it, "A farther Confirmation of this we have from the Hatteras Indians, who either then lived on Ronoak-Island, or much frequented it. These tell us, that several of their Ancestors were white People, and could talk in a Book, as we do; the Truth of which is confirm'd by gray Eyes being found frequently amongst these Indians, and no others. They value themselves extremely for their Affinity to the English, and are ready to do them all friendly Offices.” Regardless, the murky chain of events have ensured that the mystery still lingers.
History’s Greatest Mysteries: The Lost Colony of Roanoke comprehensively analyzes the history of the settlement and discusses the mysteries surrounding its disappearance. Along with pictures and a bibliography, you will learn about Roanoke like you never have before, in no time at all.
Nearly 20 years before Jamestown was settled, the English established one of the earliest colonies in North America around the Chesapeake Bay region, until the colony had over 100 inhabitants. Like other early settlements, Roanoke struggled to survive in its infancy, to the extent that the colony’s leader, John White, sailed back to England in 1587 in an effort to bring more supplies and help. However, the attempts to bring back supplies were thwarted by the Spanish in the midst of the Anglo-Spanish War going on at the time, and it was not until 1590 that White reached Roanoke again.
What White found when he came back to Roanoke led to one of the most enduring mysteries in American history. Despite the fact he had left over 100 people in Roanoke in 1587, White returned to literally nothing, with all traces of the settlement gone and no evidence of fighting or anything else that might have explained the disappearance of the inhabitants. White found the word “Croatoan” carved on a tree nearby, which he figured might mean the colonists moved to a nearby island, but he was unable to conduct a search expedition there. The Spanish also searched for the colony in hopes of wiping it out themselves, but none of the Europeans could find Roanoke’s colonists or explain what happened to the “lost” colony.
The fate of Roanoke has fascinated people for over 400 years, and there is no shortage of theories regarding the disappearance of the colony. In addition to the possibility that the settlers moved to Croatoan island, most theories speculate that they were either wiped out by nearby Native Americans or assimilated among a tribe; as historian John Lawson put it, "A farther Confirmation of this we have from the Hatteras Indians, who either then lived on Ronoak-Island, or much frequented it. These tell us, that several of their Ancestors were white People, and could talk in a Book, as we do; the Truth of which is confirm'd by gray Eyes being found frequently amongst these Indians, and no others. They value themselves extremely for their Affinity to the English, and are ready to do them all friendly Offices.” Regardless, the murky chain of events have ensured that the mystery still lingers.
History’s Greatest Mysteries: The Lost Colony of Roanoke comprehensively analyzes the history of the settlement and discusses the mysteries surrounding its disappearance. Along with pictures and a bibliography, you will learn about Roanoke like you never have before, in no time at all.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2013
38 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 10, 2019
Enlightening
Brief description of the Roanoke settlement and it's dependence on the Native population and the atrocities committed by both the English and native tribes. It discusses the English political system that left the settlers unprepared to support the colonists and some possible theories as to the gate of the colonists.
Brief description of the Roanoke settlement and it's dependence on the Native population and the atrocities committed by both the English and native tribes. It discusses the English political system that left the settlers unprepared to support the colonists and some possible theories as to the gate of the colonists.
November 14, 2021
This is one of the most enduring mysteries of early American history; how 100+ people could disappear without a trace. In 1587, the struggling colony of Roanoak was left to its own devices while other Englishmen traveled back to Europe. It wasn't until August 1590 that they returned -- to find nothing.
Since things were not going well for the colonists, most think they just died of malnutrition. However, there are no remains. Another theory, which I think is the most likely outcome, is that the colonists were absorbed into the local tribe(s). This is substantiated by the fact that there were grey-eyed children in the local Indian tribe in later generations.
This is an interesting story that has no closure because the mystery remains. Charles Rivers weaves an interesting tale.
Since things were not going well for the colonists, most think they just died of malnutrition. However, there are no remains. Another theory, which I think is the most likely outcome, is that the colonists were absorbed into the local tribe(s). This is substantiated by the fact that there were grey-eyed children in the local Indian tribe in later generations.
This is an interesting story that has no closure because the mystery remains. Charles Rivers weaves an interesting tale.
March 5, 2019
This is a well done book on the 'mystery' of the Roanoke colony. This goes into the full history of what happened and notes that there were actually several colonies, not just one. Further, the colonies had at first a good relationship with the First Nation peoples but that soured but may have improved.
The resupply missions reflected heavy weight on greed and light ware on helping people. The boats sent to help the colony decided first to go raid some other shipping and then, if time allowed, do what they could for the colony. The book also goes into the actual purpose of the colony.
The book also examines some information from First Nation peoples that gives some very good information on what happened to at least some of the colonists. The book is heavy on fact and leaves speculation to others.
The resupply missions reflected heavy weight on greed and light ware on helping people. The boats sent to help the colony decided first to go raid some other shipping and then, if time allowed, do what they could for the colony. The book also goes into the actual purpose of the colony.
The book also examines some information from First Nation peoples that gives some very good information on what happened to at least some of the colonists. The book is heavy on fact and leaves speculation to others.
August 27, 2017
This story will never stop being fascinating to me. I knew much of what was relayed here in regards to the second settlement, but knew very little about the first. Very decent introduction for those who don't know anything about Roanoke.
October 23, 2019
A large chunk of this short book was excerpts from writings that were done at the time of the events of the Roanoke colony. The spelling of the era made it difficult to understand.
February 24, 2017
Very interesting, but the title of this thesis is misleading. As a study of the events preceding the founding of the colony, it does quite well. The documentation provided demonstrates decent research, but there is little discourse on the human aspects of establishing the fort and vague on the perceived support by the locals. I was disappointed.
The narrator was adequate.
The narrator was adequate.
January 29, 2016
Some new interesting facts and theories
Another dry installment from Charles Rivers with so much names and information from many sources in compact form to make it often confusing and very dry reading. What does make this different and somewhat a misnomer to the title was that more than half of this installment was about the numerous preparations and voyages of scouts before the colonists arrival. Also an inordinate amount of time spent on politics and war of the time. Then came the mystery of the colonists and theories of what happened to them. It was amazing how the ineptness of men like John White and many others either stirred up hostilities with various Native American tribes and their abandonment of the colonists due to flawed crews, poor decisions and faulty ships or equipment. While the scouting voyages were interesting, too little was devoted to the colony and colonists.
Another dry installment from Charles Rivers with so much names and information from many sources in compact form to make it often confusing and very dry reading. What does make this different and somewhat a misnomer to the title was that more than half of this installment was about the numerous preparations and voyages of scouts before the colonists arrival. Also an inordinate amount of time spent on politics and war of the time. Then came the mystery of the colonists and theories of what happened to them. It was amazing how the ineptness of men like John White and many others either stirred up hostilities with various Native American tribes and their abandonment of the colonists due to flawed crews, poor decisions and faulty ships or equipment. While the scouting voyages were interesting, too little was devoted to the colony and colonists.
November 12, 2013
A short history of the mysterious disappearance of the colonists who lived in Roanoke. Interesting story. Feel like they were doomed from the beginning. Poor organization and greed (powers that be felt it incumbent upon themselves to partake in a little pirating on the way to and from England and Roanoke. So much more important than bringing food and supplies to people who would need them.)
July 25, 2014
Very Entertaining
Very Entertaining
Excellent short historical account of the background on the Lost Colony. While the mystery which surrounds this colony will probably never be solved, this book provides excellent background on world affairs during this event.
Very Entertaining
Excellent short historical account of the background on the Lost Colony. While the mystery which surrounds this colony will probably never be solved, this book provides excellent background on world affairs during this event.
Read
October 22, 2014Almost amazing there was any Roanoke Colony to become lost.
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
January 10, 2015
Very concise overview; the short and sweet of it.
September 10, 2015
Good summary
The author provides us with a good summary of the current scholarship on the subject of the lost colony. A quick and easy read. Fascinating story.
The author provides us with a good summary of the current scholarship on the subject of the lost colony. A quick and easy read. Fascinating story.
January 17, 2016
Too brief and lacking details to satisfy my desire to learn about that lost group.
April 20, 2016
Roanoke
Fascinating story! I have always been fascinated by. This is a decent introduction to the general start and History. Also the Handful of acceptable theories.
Fascinating story! I have always been fascinated by. This is a decent introduction to the general start and History. Also the Handful of acceptable theories.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews