The Disappearance of the Roanoke Colony: The Lost Colony In 1587, the Roanoke Colony, established by the English in North America, turned into one of the greatest mysteries in history. When the colony’s leader, John White, returned to England for material support, there were more than 100 settlers in the colony. However, when White returned three years later, he found the colony completely abandoned.
The only clue was the word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. This word was the name of a nearby island and native tribe, but the fate of the settlers was never learned. Were they assimilated by the natives? Or did they experience an unknown disaster? The disappearance of the Roanoke Colony continues to be one of the greatest unknowns in American history.