The Lost Colony of Roanoke was founded as part of Sir Walter Raleigh's efforts to establish the first English settlement in North America. The initial colony was established in 1585 by Governor Ralph Lane, but it was the second and more famous colony, known as the Lost Colony, that began in 1587 under the leadership of John White. Raleigh had been granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1584 to establish colonies in the Americas. The 1587 colony included John White and families, such as his daughter and granddaughter Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. White left for supplies and was delayed, returning in 1590 to find the colony mysteriously abandoned.
In summary:
- The attempt to found the first colony was initiated by Sir Walter Raleigh.
- The first colony at Roanoke Island was founded by Governor Ralph Lane in 1585.
- The Lost Colony (the second, more permanent attempt) was led by John White in 1587.
Thus, the Lost Colony itself was effectively founded under John White's leadership but originated from Sir Walter Raleigh's charter and colonization effort.
