Roanoke: The Lost Colony

Raleigh's Charter

Mar 25, 1584

Seeing the need of wealth from the New World and defense against the Spanish, Queen Elizabeth I granted Sir Walter Raleigh a charter to colonize the American area in modern-day Virginia. Raleigh's Charter (1584)

First Voyage

Apr 27, 1584

Sir Walter Raleigh hired Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe to navigate an exploration to the New World. First Voyages (1584-1585)

Arrival at Roanoke

Jul 4, 1584

The colonists arrived on Roanoke Island on July 4, and soon established relations with the local natives. First Voyages (1584-1585)

Second Voyage

Apr 9, 1585

Raleigh arranged an expedition led by Sir Richard Grenville. First Voyages (1584-1585)

John White

Jul 22, 1587

Due to their lack of supplies, the colonists sent John White back to England to retrieve additional necessities. The Lost Colony (1587)

Spanish Armada

May 28, 1588

With the Anglo-Spanish War, Spain retained its grip on the Atlantic sea lanes and overall control of the high seas, strengthening its navy so rapidly that the post-Armada navy was stronger than ever before. Roanoke in particular suffered from the disruption of the Anglo-Spanish War, especially since it relied so heavily on supplies transported from England. Anglo-Spanish War (1585-1604)

Return to the Lost Colony

Aug 18, 1590

White returned to Roanoke from England in August of 1590, only to find the settlement deserted. No trace of the men, women, or children were found, nor were there any signs of struggle or battle. The only clue was, "Croatoan" carved into a post of the fort and "Cro" carved into a nearby tree. The Lost Colony (1587)

White Returns to England

Aug 19, 1590

White thought that the colonists had moved to "Croatoan Island". However, a massive storm was ahead and his men refused to go any further, so he was unable to conduct a search. The Lost Colony (1587)