The First Colony Foundation
We do not know where the colonists lived on Roanoke Island,
how they lived, or how they died. The unknowing is what makes this
such a compelling mystery. The First Colony Foundation, FCF, a
non-profit organization formed in 2004, was created to conduct
archaeological and historical research, provide education, and share
interpretations relating to The Lost Colony. ("First Colony Foundation," n.d.)
In 2012, the First Colony Foundation collaborated with the British Museum to investigate the two patches on the John White's map. The investigation "revealed that one "patch" had for over 400 years hidden a blue and red symbol that may represent an Elizabethan fort also an |
Algonkian town on the Chowan River in Bertie
County" ("First Colony Foundation Commences Archaeological Research
near the Chowan River in North Carolina," 2012).
The First Colony Foundation is interested in doing as much
research as possible before the evidence is lost forever due to
erosion. This organization created a team of experts, both
archaeologists and historians. Their aim is to create a
plan to uncover and hopefully identify the original settlement
site. Their plan includes underwater excavations and research, remote
sensing, and archaeological testing on locations where the
fort symbol was recently discovered on Sir Raleigh's
map. They have plans to examine this area by land, sea,
and air. This group is going to analyze aerial photographic
images, satellite images, geophysical sensing through the
process of magnetometry and radar. The sonar and marine magnetometry
will help detect any changes or abnormalities on the shoreline and
perhaps help find the settlement site if it is
indeed underwater. ("First Colony Foundation Awarded." 2013)
The untold story of the missing 117 English settlers remains an exciting piece of history for over four hundred years. Any new discoveries by the First Colony Foundation may shed light on English colonization and the Native population and the early history of our country.
To learn more about the First Colony Foundation and their exciting work, visit: http://www.firstcolonyfoundation.org/
The untold story of the missing 117 English settlers remains an exciting piece of history for over four hundred years. Any new discoveries by the First Colony Foundation may shed light on English colonization and the Native population and the early history of our country.
To learn more about the First Colony Foundation and their exciting work, visit: http://www.firstcolonyfoundation.org/