Ep 187. Roanoke: Search for the Lost Colony

In the year 1587, 117 English settlers established a colony on Roanoke Island off the coast of what is now North Carolina. But within just three years, the colony had vanished without a trace. The fate of the lost colonists has been one of America's most enduring mysteries, inspiring countless theories, legends, and even works of fiction. Now, the History Specials team sets out to shed new light on the search for the lost colony, employing the latest scientific methods to uncover clues that have eluded explorers for over four centuries.

"Roanoke: Search for the Lost Colony" takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the past, exploring the events leading up to the colony's establishment and its subsequent disappearance. Drawing on archival documents, expert analysis, and dramatic recreations, the episode traces the settlers' perilous journey across the Atlantic, their struggles to adapt to the harsh conditions of their new home, and the challenges they faced in dealing with both native tribes and rival European powers.

Along the way, "Roanoke: Search for the Lost Colony" introduces viewers to a colorful cast of characters, from the colony's doomed governor John White and his daughter Eleanor, to the native Croatoan people who may have played a pivotal role in the settlers' fate. But perhaps the biggest stars of the show are the scientists and archaeologists who are working tirelessly to uncover new clues about the lost colony's fate.

Using everything from ground-penetrating radar to DNA analysis, these modern-day explorers are attempting to piece together a clearer picture of what happened to the Roanoke settlers. They search for clues in the surviving artifacts of the colony, including pottery, tools, and even human remains. They also explore the surrounding landscape, looking for signs of habitation and clues about how the colonists lived. And they collaborate with local native communities, hoping to better understand the complex relationships between the settlers and the people who already called Roanoke home.

Through it all, "Roanoke: Search for the Lost Colony" offers a deep dive into one of America's most tantalizing historical mysteries. As the show progresses, viewers will find themselves drawn deeper and deeper into the story, rooting for the scientists and archaeologists as they uncover new clues, hoping against hope that this time, after so many centuries, the fate of the lost colonists will finally be revealed.