The Legacy of the Lost Colony

Legacy of The Lost Colony is an exhibit that features a variety of objects and materials from Special Collections. These materials highlight how the story of the Lost Colony has been researched and portrayed for the last 434 years. 

Over 430 years ago, a group of more than 100 settlers disappeared and became known as The Lost Colony. As opposed to their original plan to settle at Chesapeake Bay, the colony ended up settling in Roanoke. In 1587, John White, governor of the colony, volunteered to travel back to England to tell Sir Walter Raleigh about their change in destination and to gather more supplies as the settlers were worried. 

Before White left, he told the colonists that if they had to move, they should leave the name of where they went. However, if they were in danger he instructed them to also add a cross. Due to political turmoil with Spain off England’s coast, White was unable to return to the Americas for three years. Upon his return, the colony had vanished, and the only thing left was the word Croatoan carved in a fence post, without a cross. Due to severe weather, White and his crew were forced to return to England before they could locate the colonists. 

Two major theories regarding the Lost Colony that baffle experts are whether the colonists found safety with the friendly Croatoan natives or became prey to the hostile Roanoke natives. The colonists’ disappearance is still a mystery due to the lack of human remains found by White’s crew in 1590 and no definitive archaeological evidence since. The mystery of the Lost Colony is not only where they went, but where they were. The location of the original settlement has yet to be found.  

Research into this strange mystery continues to be done, but the events remain open to interpretation. This exhibit highlights the many ways the story of the Lost Colony continues to be celebrated today. From annual play productions in Manteo to the frequent archaeological digs off the North Carolina Outer Banks, the legacy of the Lost Colony continues to be known as one of America’s oldest mysteries. 

Curating this exhibit as a student during my internship has been a massive benefit to what I plan to do in the future. The opportunity has given me experience in research, development, and organization. With the guidance of my internship mentor, the process of curating the exhibit has been smooth and rewarding. Legacy of The Lost Colony will be located in the North Carolina Collection on the third floor of Joyner Library. It will be on display from July 17th through December of this year.