The missing settlers left behind only two clues: the word “Croatoan” carved into a fort’s gatepost and the word “Cro” etched into a tree. Back then, Croatoan was the original name of ...

As the men climbed a sandy bank, they encountered a tree with the carved letters ... post on which “in fair capital letters was graven CROATOAN without any cross or sign of distress.” ...

The only clue was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post and the letters "CRO" etched into a tree. There were no indications of a struggle or battle. White interpreted these carvings as a possible ...