Hidden details in a historic map have helped shed light on one of the great mysteries in American history.
The 16th-century map provides insights into the fate of the settlers who formed the so-called Lost Colony of Roanoke.
This small settlement of more than 100 English colonists was founded on Roanoke Island off the coast of what is now North Carolina in 1587.But the colonists seemingly vanished shortly after its founding due to unknown circumstances.
The map in question—created by a governor of the colony, John White—may hold a vital clue that could reveal what happened to at least some of the colonists. The map—known as "La Virginea Pars"—was created by White to document the region.
Stock image: Illustration depicts John White (c. 1540 - c1593) and others as they find a tree into which the word "CROATOAN" had been carved on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, in 1590.Stock image: Illustration depicts John White (c. 1540 - c1593) and others as they find a tree into which the word "CROATOAN" had been carved on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, in 1590.Photo by Stock Montage/Getty ImagesAn examination of the map by researchers revealed a paper patch where it appears as if someone had covered up a small section to correct a mistake but never painted anything over the top.
This patch—corresponding to modern-day Bertie County, less than 100 miles inland from Roanoke Island—was found to conceal a red-and-blue symbol resembling a fort.
This hidden marking suggested that the site marked on the map was home to a previously unknown English settlement.
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Follow-up investigations of the site conducted by researchers from the First Colony Foundation found no evidence of a significant settlement, or a fort for that matter. But the team did uncover several English artifacts, including pottery, adding to similar prior finds at the site.
According the foundation, these finds align with the hypothesis that some of the colonists relocated to this location after fleeing from Roanoke Island, potentially explaining one aspect of the mystery, Popular Mechanics reported.
While the site may not have housed all of the Roanoke colonists, it is possible that it served as a refuge for a few of them. Questions still remain though and continued archaeological investigations may reveal more about what happened to this group of early settlers.
What is the Lost Colony of Roanoke?
In 1587, under the leadership of John White, more than 115 English settlers—including men, women and children—established a colony on Roanoke Island.
This endeavor was England's second attempt to establish a permanent settlement in the New World.
Shortly after their arrival, the colonists faced shortages of supplies, prompting them to persuade White to return to England to procure necessities.
Due to various delays, including the Anglo–Spanish War, White's return was postponed, and he did not make it back to Roanoke Island until 1590.
What Do We Know About What Happened?
Upon his return in 1590, John White found the Roanoke settlement deserted, with no sign of the colonists and none of the settlement's structures or supplies remaining.
The only clue was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post and the letters "CRO" etched into a tree. There were no indications of a struggle or battle.
White interpreted these carvings as a possible message indicating that the colonists had relocated to Croatoan Island (now Hatteras Island)—home to the Croatan people.
However, adverse weather conditions and other challenges prevented White from conducting a thorough search of the area, leaving the fate of the colonists unresolved.
What Questions Are Still To Be Answered?
Despite various theories and ongoing research, several questions about the Lost Colony of Roanoke remain unanswered.
Firstly, did the colonists assimilate with local Native American tribes? Some historians propose that the settlers integrated with nearby tribes, such as the Croatan or Hatteras people, to survive.
Archaeological evidence, including English artifacts found in Native American sites, supports this theory, but conclusive proof is still lacking.
Secondly, did the colonists attempt to establish a new settlement inland? The hidden symbol on John White's map and the discovery of English artifacts inland suggest that at least some of the colonists may have moved to a location between the Roanoke and Chowan rivers. Further archaeological investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Thirdly, what exactly caused the disappearance of the colonists? The exact circumstances leading to the abandonment of the Roanoke settlement remain unclear.
Theories range from disease and starvation to conflicts with Native American tribes or Spanish forces. However, no definitive evidence has been found to support any single explanation.
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