Roanoke2

Initial Exploration

• In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh sent ships to survey North Carolina's coast.

• Roanoke Island was deemed suitable for colonization.

• A reconnaissance mission reported favorable conditions, though it was not thorough.

Establishment of the Roanoke Colony

• In April 1585, five ships departed from England to establish the colony.

• A storm damaged the ships en route and destroyed provisions.

• Remaining ships arrived at Albemarle Sound in July 1585, anchoring near Roanoke Island.

• Upon landing, crews hastily constructed forts and dwellings.

• Little to no evidence of crop planting; primary function was to support ships against Spanish targets.

Native Presence and Interaction

• Roanoke Island was inhabited by the Algonquin tribe, who managed the land through farming and fishing.

• Initially, colonists benefitted significantly from the Algonquins' generosity, receiving food through trade.

  • The English traded metal items like knives and axes for food.

  • The Algonquins understood they held a powerful position, controlling resources.

Deteriorating Relations

• Early relations were peaceful; tensions rose when an English colonist accused Algonquin of stealing.

• Fear of appearing weak led to aggressive actions by the colonists, including burning an Algonquin village and capturing a leader as a hostage.

• Many English settlers were soldiers trained in oppressive tactics from their experiences in Ireland.

• The Roanoke Colony faced growing vulnerability to retaliatory attacks and relied on reinforcements from England.

Reinforcements and Changes in Leadership

• In 1587, leader John White organized a new shipment to Roanoke with emphasis on agricultural settlement rather than privateering.

• New settlers included families, seeking stable community life but facing increased distrust from the Algonquins.

• Anticipating retaliation, White returned to England for reinforcements in November 1587.

Delays Due to Spanish Armada

• Tensions between England and Spain prevented White from returning in time; an order was issued to keep ships in port due to the threat of the Spanish Armada.

• The English Navy faced the Spanish Armada in 1588 and achieved victory, marking a turning point in maritime power.

• Although the victory was significant, it delayed crucial support for the Roanoke Colony.

Disappearance of the Colony

• White returned to Roanoke in 1590, after delays caused by Spanish conflict, hoping to find the settlers thriving.

• Instead, he discovered only remnants of the colony and no sign of its inhabitants.

• The mystery of the Roanoke colony's disappearance remains unsolved, often referred to as the "Lost Colony."