Theories of the Lost Colonies

There are nine major theories (roughly) of the fate of the Lost Colonists of Roanoke. In this activity, students investigate three of the most popular theories. These are relatively early theories that the colonists intermingled with the native population.

Powhatan Attacked the Roanoke Colonists

Theory #1 - 1607

The earliest theory was that Powhatan killed the Roanoke colonists. This is a simple theory and, if true, should eliminate the need for any further theories.

But...did Powhatan really say he killed them?

Colonists Sailed Away

Theory #2 - 1609

Who said they stuck around waiting for a ship that never came? Some think the colonists may have sailed their own boat. If they did try to sail back to England (or elsewhere), they never made it.

Half Waited On Crotoan Island

Theory #3 - 1700's

One of the oldest and strongest clues is the most mysterious: "Crotoan.

Did this refer to the Crotoan tribe, their island, or both? Lost Colony theories about natives and English settlers explore the evidence of three different tribes that might have hosted and intermarried with the Roanoke settlers.

Settlers Mixed with the Hatteras Tribe

Theory #4 - 1701

They had ancestors that could "talk in a book." Were these the descendants of Roanoke or perhaps an unnamed shipwreck?

Settlers Mixed with the Lumbee Tribe

Theory #5 - 1888

The Lumbee Tribe was near the Lumber River, further inland. Are descendants with last names the same as the original colonists a clue?

Eleanor White Left A Message for Her Father

Dare Stones - Theory #6 - 1937

A tragic message scraped onto a stone captured the attention of the nation. A hoax? Or a clue from the past?

After the initial debut the Dare Stone and it's companions were billed a scam. But new interest has arisen with clues that weren't known in 1937.

A Fort Hidden In Plain Sight

Site X - Theory 7 - 2012

A new look at Governor White's map stunned historians when a hidden fort was revealed under a patch on the canvas. Site X marks the spot of the mysterious fort. But was it ever built? Or even planned?

Hurricane Destruction

Gone With the Winds - Theory #8 - 2017

All those hurricanes and storms in the colony's short history may indicate their fate. Destruction of Roanoke by hurricane would explain why archaeologists can find no evidence of their settlement.

Get the Early Settlers Unit Study

Explore scenes of native life, evaluate reasons for settling the new world, search for clues to the fate of the lost colonists, join the John Smith scavenger hunt on the 1612 Map of Virginia, sail with Strachey on the ill-fated Sea Venture, look for the location of old forts, and vote in the first legislative assembly.

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