SIR WALTER RALIEGH                         

Sir Walter Raleigh was born in 1554, near Bud Leigh Slattern in Devonshire, England. He grew up to be a scientist, sailor, soldier, poet, courtier, historian and a colonizer.  After attempting to reach America on a voyage with his brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Raleigh attempted to set up colonies for Queen Elizabeth.  His colonies were not successful, but we know a great deal about North Carolina in the late 1500s because of his efforts.

Simon Fernando
Simon Fernando was known as a pirate and thief.  Fernando piloted for all of Sir Walter Raleigh's expeditions.  John White chose him to go with the colony because he was one of the best pilots in London. He guided the colony to Roanoke, but would not go to the Chesapeake Bay. Nobody knows why he wouldn't keep going. Some people think that he was afraid of hurricanes.  Later he joined the English fleet against the Armada.