The Mystery of The Roanoke Colony

THE FACTS…

1 England became interested in colonization under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I. Colonies had become desirable for European powers because of the economic theory of MERCANTILISM.

2 Sir Walter Raleigh was given permission to begin a colony off the shores of Virginia.

3 Raleigh was interested in raiding Spanish ships along the coast of North Carolina.

4 108 men settled on Roanoke Island. They traded beads and other goods to the Natives for food and supplies.

Food became scarce and conflict arose with the Natives 5 Food became scarce and conflict arose with the Natives

6 The colonists waited for a supply ship to arrive, and when it didn’t, they joined Sir Francis Drake on his trip returning to England.

7 The supply ship arrived days later, and 15 men were left to “hold down the fort” until more colonists arrived.

8 Sir Walter Raleigh sent another group to North America, including two pregnant women. They stopped at Roanoke Island to give the 15 men more supplies. The 15 men were gone. These new colonists had to stay on Roanoke Island because it was too late in the season to go further to the mainland.

9 John White, founder of the colony, left for England to get more supplies. He was unable to return to Roanoke Island for three years.

During those years there was a severe drought in the region. 10 During those years there was a severe drought in the region.

11 The colonists were instructed to leave a note if they moved or encountered trouble.

12 When White returned, the colony had vanished. The only clues were the letters “CRO” carved into a tree and “CROATOAN”, the name of a nearby native tribe, was carved into a gatepost.

What Conclusions can you draw: ? What Happened… What Conclusions can you draw: ?