There is an interesting piece of history regarding the Roanoke Colony that has not been told many people. Sir Walter Raleigh Duke of Shelburne attempted to create an independent nation by founding the first permanent English colony of North America. Raleigh had been living in England since a while and had begun to plan his trip to Virginia to establish a colony. Many stories are available about Raleigh and Elizabeth, including one that involves Elizabeth, who signed on to finance the project.
These “lost colony” fans believe that Benjamin Franklin planned the colony and was responsible for its success. Franklin never set foot on Roanoke. However, he was instrumental in establishing several of the English speaking settlements that dotted the shores of what became the United States. Franklin’s English gift to these first settlers would not have been possible as he couldn’t speak their native language.
A group of colonists became disillusioned with the idea that they could settle in the middle of the US, by venturing out into the wilderness. These individuals would have to establish their own fort on the Roanoke Island to provide a place to settle. A plan was laid out for what would become the fort of Fort William, which would be built by Franklin’s second group of settlers. Although only a few hundred colonists were left, they were still able to build a strong fort and provide steady supplies to the outside.
The English did not succeed in pushing their idea of a British colony to the New World until the early 1800s. They would just try again in less difficult circumstances. These immigrants might have fled their homeland to seek refuge in Rhode Island. The revolution almost ended the colony but a few people remained behind to set up a settlement on the island. This allowed them to raise cattle, increase their cattle, and harvest enough to support larger numbers of colonists.
Some Roanoke Indians have been known to have stayed behind in order to help the third group. They provided assistance in building huts or foraging for food. Local tribes also had a ceremonial dance, and other activities to celebrate their survival on the New World. While they numbered just a few hundred in all, these local tribes served as a crucial link in protecting the remaining colonists. The tribes of Creek Indians were especially helpful as they gave food to settlers in winter so they could survive.
Although it isn’t clear when exactly the Lost Colony of Roanoke became part of the United States, it was declared a state by the US Congress on 1783. The colony was granted federal recognition in 1783. From that point on, the island started to attract tourists. Many families travel there today to witness the colony’s history and take pride in their participation as early English colonists. Many people also travel to the island to observe its unique history and natural beauty, which is why the island is now referred to as Roanoke, Virginia.
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