The first, in 1584, was a reconnaissance mission. The following year an all-male contingent—with White as expedition artist—defied Spanish claims to North America and arrived on Roanoke hoping ...

One of the only clues remaining at the site was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a palisade. It either referred to Croatoan Island, which is now called Hatteras Island, or the Croatoan Indians.

One of the only clues remaining at the site was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a palisade. It either referred to Croatoan Island, which is now called Hatteras Island, or the Croatoan Indians.

Scott Dawson, the aforementioned author, museum proprietor, and president of the Croatoan Archaeological Society, did not find the buildings or the bodies that once populated the colony at Roanoke.

The whole group had been wiped out; the only thing that remained was a palisade with the word CROATOAN carved into it. Croatoan was the name of a nearby tribe. For centuries, ...

A single palisade remained, with the word CROATOAN carved into it (the name of a nearby indigenous tribe). Related Story. A Hidden Clue Might Solve an American Mystery; ...