Roanoke Island: America's First Vanished Colony

Roanoke Island, North Carolina. In the late 16th century, a group of English settlers landed on Roanoke Island, ready to start a new life in the New World. But soon they all vanished without a trace. Poof, gone. So, where did they go? And in today's episode, we're going to try to solve a mystery. The mystery of the lost colony of Roanoke. Let's rewind. The Roanoke colony was an attempt by Sir Walter Raleigh to establish the first ever permanent English settlement in America. TIMELINE 1590: around three years after his departure, that White finally set out, fully equipped, for Roanoke. 1593: never learning what happened to his daughter, granddaughter, and the other colonists. 1602: But it's also possible that his motives were not out of concern, but drive to maintain his claim on Virginia. 1857: Roanoke settlement, John White, a man skilled not only in exploration, but also in the arts. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of Roanoke Island is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 131 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters If you liked this: Episode 200 (Bessemer City, North Carolina) Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy