The Lost Colony, Roanoke Island

In 1584 Sir Walter Raleigh sent two English ships to the New World. On
July 2, captains Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe anchored in the
Pamlico Sound and claimed the land for Queen Elizabeth I. The English
found the natives "very handsome, goodly people" and trade was
established between the settlers and the Induans. Encouraged, the
English pressed on, discovering Roanoke Island where they built a
fort. In1587 another ship arrived, planning to join the settlers on
Roanoke but instead found the fort razed and abandoned. They attempted
to reboard the vessel, but the captain left them stranded except for
Governor White which he took back to England. His granddaughter,
Virginia Dare was the first English child born in America. When the
governor returned three years' later, he found the colonist's homes
destroyed. The word "Croatoan" was carved into a doorpost.