The disappearance of the Roanoke Colony remains one of the biggest mysteries in American history.

Known as the “Lost Colony,” 90 men, 17 women, and nine children settled at Roanoke Island in 1587.

The word referred to a nearby island, now modern-day Hatteras Island, and the Croatoan people, a local Native American tribe who were native to the island and surrounding parts of the Outer Banks, from 1584 to the mid-18th Century.

Today, some historians believe that the colonists sought refuge with the tribe, but there has been no conclusive evidence. That being said, the significance of this carving lies in the fact that it was the only clue to discover what happened to the more than 100 colonists who settled more than 400-years-ago.

Overall, the vanishing of the English settlers at Roanoke remains a symbol of the early stages of colonization in America, along with one of the greatest mysteries in history. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What does “Croatoan” mean?

“Croatoan” was the name of both a nearby island (modern-day Hatteras Island) and the friendly local Native American tribe living there.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvYBcI4BBlo&t=9

2) Were there signs of a struggle?

There were no signs of a struggle at Roanoke. When Governor John White returned to the settlement in 1590 after a three-year delay due to war with Spain, the houses had been neatly dismantled rather than ransacked, and no bodies were ever found.

Source: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/discover/resource-hub/trend-tradition-magazine/trend-tradition-spring-2025/lost-colony/

3) What happened to the colonists who lived there?

Most historians and recent archaeological findings indicate that the settlers assimilated into the Croatoan tribe through intermarriage and shared living.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvYBcI4BBlo&t=9s