The Lost Colony: The First Expedition

A Look at Roanoke and the Lost Colony


As I mentioned in a previous post, there are so much facts and details involved in events that led up to the disappearance of members of Sir Walter Raleigh’s third expedition to the New World, numerous books had to be written to present it all. What follows is the barest of facts. If you would like to learn more, see my second post for a few resource recommendations. 

Raleigh’s First Expedition: 

In 1584, Walter Raleigh received a patent from Queen Elizabeth to establish a colony in the New World. He wanted to settle “at the edge of Spanish territory.” Queen Elizabeth refused at first, but changed her mind after the Spanish attacked English ships. 


In  July 1584, Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe landed on the Outer Banks of what is now North Carolina. They eventually made their way to Roanoke Island. The expedition was a smashing success. With the exception of one encounter that may or may not have happened, it was everything one would hope first contact would be and wished that it would have been throughout the ages. During their time there, they were hosted by members of the Secotan Confederation. 

For a short summary and chronology of the expedition, go to the National Park Service’s page on Amadas and Barlowe.