First Voyages (1584-1585)

Despite minor hurdles, the first voyages to Roanoke left Sir Walter Raleigh with a sense of optimism about a third and final voyage that would create a self-sustaining colony. Yet due to negative geographical timing, hostile relations with natives, and poor connections to England, Roanoke Colony was doomed to failure.

The First Voyage (1584)

• Sir Walter Raleigh hired Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe to navigate exploration to New World
• Planned to land in the Chesapeake Bay area in search for valuable natural resources --> came across Roanoke Island instead
• Endorsed land as favorable place for a colony

The Second Voyage (1585)

• Raleigh arranged expedition led by Sir Richard Grenville
• Goal was to establish a military colony
• Sir Ralph Lane was put in charge of colony where they built fort and houses
• Sir Richard Grenville (only transported the colonists there) was supposed to later return with supplies
• Grenville did not come when expected --> colonists became more and more dispirited and in need 

Colonists rowing to Roanoke Island (left); early establishment of Roanoke Colony (right)

"...the general [General Sir Francis Drake] coming ashore made a new proffer unto me; which was... to carry me and my company into England, with all provisions as before...Our hope for supply with Sir Richard Grenville, so undoubtedly promised us before Easter, not yet come, neither then likely to come this year...therefore I would resolve myself with my company to go into England in that fleet..." 
-Ralph Lane

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