Roanoke Colony

Definition

The Roanoke Colony was the first English attempt at permanent settlement in North America, established in 1585 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of present-day North Carolina. Known as the 'Lost Colony' due to its mysterious disappearance, it represents a significant example of early English exploration and the challenges faced in establishing a foothold in the New World.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roanoke Colony was established by Sir Walter Raleigh's sponsored expedition, marking England's first attempt at colonization in North America.
2. The colony faced numerous hardships, including food shortages, conflicts with Indigenous peoples, and lack of support from England.
3. In 1587, John White returned to England for supplies, leaving behind approximately 115 settlers; when he returned three years later, he found no trace of them.
4. The word 'CROATOAN' was carved into a tree near the abandoned settlement, leading to speculation about the fate of the colonists and their possible relocation to nearby Croatoan Island.
5. The mystery of the Roanoke Colony has fueled speculation and theories about what happened to its inhabitants, making it one of America's enduring historical puzzles.

Review Questions

• What were some of the main challenges that the Roanoke Colony faced during its early years of establishment?
  • The Roanoke Colony faced significant challenges from its inception, including harsh environmental conditions and food shortages. The settlers struggled to find adequate resources for survival, leading to tension with Indigenous peoples who had previously inhabited the region. Additionally, a lack of consistent support from England hindered their ability to sustain the settlement, ultimately contributing to its mysterious disappearance.
• Discuss the role of John White in the Roanoke Colony and the implications of his return to England.
  • John White served as the governor of the Roanoke Colony and played a critical role in its establishment. He returned to England seeking supplies after experiencing food shortages and other difficulties within the colony. His prolonged absence due to delays in obtaining ships meant that when he finally returned in 1590, he found the colony deserted, raising questions about what had happened during those three years and highlighting the difficulties of maintaining colonies across such great distances.
• Evaluate the significance of the Roanoke Colony within the broader context of English colonization efforts in North America.
  • The Roanoke Colony holds significant importance as it represents both the ambitions and challenges of early English colonization efforts in North America. Its establishment marked a pivotal moment where England sought to create a permanent presence on a continent dominated by Indigenous peoples. The mystery surrounding its disappearance serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of colonization, foreshadowing future attempts by other settlers who would also grapple with issues of survival, governance, and relations with Native Americans as they sought to establish thriving colonies.

Related terms

Walter Raleigh: An English explorer and courtier who sponsored the Roanoke Colony expeditions and aimed to establish an English presence in the Americas.

John White:

The governor of the Roanoke Colony who returned to England for supplies and discovered that the colony had vanished upon his return three years later.

Virginia Dare: The first English child born in America, in the Roanoke Colony, symbolizing the potential for English settlement in the New World.