The History of the Croatoan Mystery

In May 1587, more than 100 English colonists were forced to establish a settlement in the Roanoke region of present-day North Carolina. The location had been settled by similar individuals; however, lack of leadership and experience conflicted with the original intentions. Eventually, reinforcements recovered the aforementioned settlers. However, in 1587, Governor John White, a leader among the expedition, was immediately dispatched back to England to retrieve further provisions and necessities for the reestablished colony. Upon his return to Roanoke in 1590 though, the settlement had vanished.

Though many answers propose solutions to the disappearance, further questions remain intact. Governor White advised the colonists to post a symbolic message to an easily identified landmark in case of emergency. This message would distinguish any relevant jeopardy. In 1590, though, White identified no such message concluding his return. Living quarters had been carefully dismantled, and no signs of struggle were evident. The colony simply vanished. The only clue offering an explanation was one word carved into the trunk of a tree: "Croatoan."

Various assumptions have been acknowledged while conducting studies via the mystery. For one, Croatoan was a word prescribed to the local natives. Initially, the tribe were considered peaceful; however, attempts at English sabotage reflected distrust among the natives. Governor White, though, resolved the problematic opposition and once again, established a peace treaty between the Croatoan and English. The relationship could aptly be described as "friends." Upon his return, White failed to notice any signs of attack or burial mounds. He repeatedly attempted to visit the Croatoan tribe, but various storms prevented travel to the location. Instead, White sadly initiated his return to England, and eventually died.

Factual evidence that must be taken into consideration when attempting to resolve such mysterious questions is as follows. Roughly 50 years after the disappearance of the Roanoke settlement, a tribe known as Lumbee, descendants of the Croatoan, emerged in rural society. English explorers observed the Lumbee and depicted them as having English features, and easily displaying mixed ancestry. While the disappearance itself remains a mystery, the most viable assumption must involve the two settlements combining and being represented as one.