The Map of the World

In 1584, Raleigh sent out an expedition to establish an English colony in the New World where pirates or warships could go to get supplies or repairs. The first landing was on the outer banks of North Carolina. The Spanish had already established colonies in the New World.

The Map of North Carolina and Roanoke Island

The expedition lead by Amadas and Barlowe came upon the outer banks of North Carolina. They searched for an inlet or a river into the mainland thinking these small islands were the mainland. They discovered an inlet, but as they traveled inward, they realized they had found a chain of islands. After exploring the islands and finding many natural resources, they claimed the land for Queen Elizabeth.

Roanoke Island was the easiest place for them to establish a fort; they built this fort on one end of the island.