Lost Colony Mystery Sparks Fascinating Lions Club Discussion
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By Cheryl Owens
Mississippi Spirit
Fred Johnson’s presentation on Roanoke Island leaves Morton club members with plenty to ponder.
The Morton Lions Club traded the summer heat outside for good food, good fellowship and an interesting trip back through history during its Tuesday, July 28 meeting.
Members enjoyed a delicious lunch served among cheerful island-themed table decorations before settling in to hear fellow Lion Fred Johnson share one of his favorite historical mysteries — the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Johnson told the story of the first English colony established in North America in 1587, when about 115 settlers, including men, women and children, arrived on Roanoke Island. Soon after, colony governor John White sailed back to England for much-needed supplies. Because of the war with Spain and the famous Spanish Armada, White was unable to return for nearly three years.
When he finally made it back, the colony had vanished.
The only clues left behind were the letters “CRO” carved into a tree and the word “CROATOAN” carved into a wooden post. There were no signs of violence or struggle, leaving historians to wonder what became of the settlers.
Johnson shared that one of the most fascinating parts of the story involves Virginia Dare, John White’s granddaughter and the first English child born in North America. He noted that many historians now believe the colonists may have peacefully joined Native American tribes, although no one has ever been able to prove exactly what happened.
Today, more than 400 years later, the mystery continues to capture the imagination of historians, archaeologists and visitors alike. Excavations on nearby Hatteras Island have uncovered English pottery, tools and other artifacts mixed with Native American items, lending support to the theory that at least some of the settlers were welcomed into the Croatoan community. While many researchers believe the colonists assimilated with local tribes, no single discovery has answered every question, leaving the Lost Colony of Roanoke as one of America’s most enduring historical mysteries.
Whether the settlers found a new home among friendly neighbors or met another fate, the unanswered questions continue to inspire books, documentaries, and archaeological research. Johnson’s presentation sparked plenty of conversation among club members and proved that even on a hot Mississippi afternoon, a little history can take everyone on quite an adventure.
