John White Disappearance Of Roanoke Colony

How can an entire colony of 114 people vanish into thin air without leaving any explanation or evidence of their disappearance? Some will naively tell tales of an alien abduction. Others will write books of a savage forest monster. The modern Lumbee Native American tribe will claim descent from the Croatoan tribe and Roanoke settlers. In August 1587, John White, the governor of Roanoke Colony, left the settlement to procure supplies in England. He did not return to the colony for three years due to war between Spain and England. The Lumbee tribe believe that in response to White’s delayed return, the colonists, having positive relations with the Croatoan, assimilated with the tribe. While there are many outlandish theories about the disappearance of Roanoke Colony, the most rational outcome is assimilation. The Roanoke colonists landed at Roanoke Island in July of 1587. Sir Walter Raleigh, an English noble and a favorite of the queen had established the colony. He had chosen the island due to its remote location. The paper thin water was a challenge to navigate and Raleigh

Their belongings, supplies, and weapons went with them to their new location (Miller 4). White believed that location was at Croatoan village (Huey 16). White informed the men of his suspicions and they set off towards the tribe’s community, but a storm prevented them to sail (Huey 16). They decided to head south towards the Caribbean for supplies (Huey 16). After staying there for a night, refreshed, White and his men decided to try again. During this attempt, they were again blown off course by a storm. They were returned to England (Huey 16). Upon White’s return, he discovered that Governor Raleigh had fallen from the queen’s graces and he and his wife were imprisoned in the Tower of London (Kent 106). White could not afford the trip to the New World (Huey 17). Roanoke Colony was gone and the only witnesses were Native