The Roanoke Tribe
What happened to them?
The Roanoke Tribe, also known as the Roanoke Indians, is an enigmatic and lesser-known group of Native Americans whose history has puzzled historians and archaeologists for centuries.
Situated in what is now known as North Carolina, the Roanoke Tribe’s story is intertwined with the early European exploration of the New World, particularly the ill-fated Roanoke Colony.
Origins and Lifestyle
The Roanoke Tribe were Algonquian-speaking Native Americans who inhabited the coastal region of what is today North Carolina. They were part of the larger Algonquian-speaking Powhatan Confederacy, which included various tribes in the Virginia and North Carolina regions.
The Roanoke Tribe’s way of life was deeply connected to the coastal environment. They relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. Their diet included seafood such as fish and shellfish and agricultural products like maise (corn), beans, and squash.
Like many Native American tribes, the Roanoke people had a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage, with traditions and rituals passed down through generations.
The Roanoke Colony and the “Lost Colony”
The most famous episode in the history of the Roanoke Tribe is the establishment of the Roanoke Colony in 1585. English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh sponsored this expedition, and it became one of the first English attempts to establish a permanent settlement in the New World.
The colony faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with local Native American tribes and limited resources. In 1587, the colony’s leader, John White, returned to England for supplies, leaving behind a group of settlers, including his daughter and granddaughter, Virginia Dare.
Upon his return in 1590, John White discovered that the Roanoke Colony had mysteriously vanished. The only clue left behind was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a tree.
The fate of the “Lost Colony” remains one of America’s most significant historical mysteries. Some theories suggest that the colonists integrated with local Native American tribes, including the Roanoke Tribe itself, while others propose more tragic fates, such as famine, disease, or conflict.
Legacy and Ongoing Research
Despite the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony, the Roanoke Tribe itself continued to exist, enduring centuries of change, colonialism, and displacement.
Today, the tribe is recognised as the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and has fought for federal recognition and the preservation of its cultural heritage.
The “Lost Colony” mystery, a puzzle that has intrigued historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts for centuries, remains unsolved. Despite numerous excavations and research efforts, the truth behind the disappearance continues to elude us.
Unique in History
The Roanoke Tribe, connected to the enigmatic Roanoke Colony, occupies a unique place in American history. Their story reminds us of the complex interactions between Native American cultures and European colonists during European exploration in the New World.
The legacy of the Roanoke Tribe lives on in the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina as they continue to celebrate their heritage and strive for recognition. The enduring mystery of the “Lost Colony” reminds us of the rich tapestry of history that still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered.
What do you believe could have happened to the Roanoke Colony?
