Ep 3. The Lost Colony of Roanoke
- TV-PG
- October 18, 2019
- 42 min
In Search Of is back for a new season and dives right into one of America's oldest unsolved mysteries: The Lost Colony of Roanoke. The colony, established by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585, was one of the first attempts at English settlement in North America. But in 1590, when a relief mission arrived after three years of isolation, they found the colony completely deserted, with no signs of struggle or conflict. The only clue left behind was the word "Croatoan" carved into a post.
The episode begins by examining the history of the colony and the various theories surrounding its disappearance. Could the colonists have been killed by natives? Was it a result of disease, famine, or lack of resources? Or did the colonists simply decide to abandon their settlement and start a new life elsewhere? The show takes a closer look at these theories and interviews experts and historians to provide a comprehensive picture of what might have happened to the lost colony.
The host, Zachary Quinto, travels to Roanoke Island to investigate the site of the colony and meet with researchers who have been studying the history and archaeology of the area for decades. They show him various artifacts and evidence of the colony, including pottery, tools, and even a 16th-century cannon that was discovered on the island. Quinto and the researchers discuss the challenges they face in trying to piece together the story of the lost colony and what new technologies and research techniques are being used to uncover more information.
In addition to examining the historical evidence, the show also explores some of the more outlandish theories that have been proposed over the years. Some people believe that the colonists were abducted by aliens or that they were victims of a curse put on them by Native Americans. Others think that the colonists may have merged with the local tribes and that their descendants still live in the area today. The show delves into these theories and talks to proponents of each idea to explore what evidence, if any, supports their claims.
Overall, In Search Of's The Lost Colony of Roanoke is a fascinating exploration of one of America's oldest mysteries. The show provides a comprehensive look at the history of the colony, the various theories surrounding its disappearance, and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about what happened to the lost colonists. Fans of history, archaeology, and unsolved mysteries will find plenty of intrigue and food for thought in this episode.