After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Lost Colony of Roanoke: Mystery of Virginia Dare
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Guest: Dr. Misha Yuen, Lecturer in Early Modern History, University of Sussex
Introduction to the Lost Colony of Roanoke
In this captivating episode, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into one of America's oldest unsolved mysteries: the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Joining them is Dr. Misha Yuen, an expert in early modern history, who provides in-depth analysis and fresh perspectives on the enigmatic fate of Eleanor Dare and her daughter, Virginia Dare.
Key Figures: Eleanor Dare and Virginia Dare
The story begins in the summer of 1587 aboard the Roanoke Colony ship. Eleanor Dare, an 18-year-old pregnant woman, embarks on the voyage with her husband and father, John White, the colony's leader. Anthony Delaney sets the scene vividly:
"Eleanor Dare is somewhere around 18 years old and pregnant in her second trimester... she knows will be the place she gives birth to her first child." [(02:21)]
Virginia Dare holds a unique place in history as the first English child born on the American continent. However, beyond her baptism in 1587, little is documented about her life, leaving much to speculation.
The Disappearance and Theories
After establishing the colony, John White returns to England for resupply. Due to the threat of the Spanish Armada, his return is delayed until 1590. Upon his return, he finds the colony deserted, with only the word "CRO" carved into a wooden post. Dr. Yuen explains:
"Most historians think that probably is what happened to the colonists... women and children might have been absorbed into these communities." [(14:33)]
This has led to theories suggesting that the colonists, including Eleanor and Virginia, integrated with local indigenous populations, though concrete evidence remains elusive.
The Emergence of Myths and Legends
With scant historical records, the story of Roanoke gave rise to numerous myths, particularly surrounding Virginia Dare. Anthony Delaney highlights the allure of these myths:
"If I were to want to write and turn up at this point in the episode, if I wanted to write a book about Virginia Dare or Eleanor, both of them together, I probably wouldn't begin because there isn't enough to write an actual full on history book." [(20:46)]
One notable myth involves the "Darestones," mysterious carvings that surfaced in the 20th century, purportedly providing clues about the colony's fate. Maddy Pelling shares her fascination:
"It's so ridiculous and so interesting in terms of its own historical context... Here you can see why people would absolutely accept that in the moment and cling onto them." [(32:44)]
Virginia Dare's Symbolism in American Identity
Virginia Dare transcends her historical role, becoming a symbol intertwined with notions of Americanness and whiteness. Dr. Yuen discusses the politicization of her image:
"Virginia Dare just kind of neatly fits into that narrative that people already have about the colonization of Virginia... America, you know, isn't black. It isn't Native American. It is white American." [(35:44)]
The 1937 commemorative stamp exemplifies this portrayal, depicting Eleanor and Virginia in Victorian attire, reinforcing ideals of purity and domesticity:
"There's this image of America that many Americans at the time want to believe is the kind of origin of America... It completely erases the history of slavery, for example. It erases indigenous people." [(37:43)]
The Darestones Phenomenon
The introduction of the Darestones in 1937 added a tangible element to the Roanoke mystery. These stones, inscribed with messages purportedly from the lost colonists, sparked renewed interest and speculation. Dr. Yuen addresses their authenticity:
"Nowadays we think that all the others are probably fakes, but this first one, a lot of historians do still think there is some..." [(32:44)]
The timing of their appearance, amid the Great Depression and rising fascism, suggests they served a purpose in shaping national identity.
The Impact of Myths on Modern America
The enduring myths surrounding Roanoke and Virginia Dare continue to influence contemporary American identity and racial dynamics. Anthony Delaney emphasizes the real-world implications:
"This is impacting us today or impacting American people today in terms of an idea of whiteness and Americanness." [(38:40)]
Dr. Yuen adds that these early colonial narratives laid the groundwork for later racial policies and social hierarchies:
"These are bound up with kind of racist ideas about Native Americans and kind of the civilizing work that people like Virginia and Eleanor Dare will do... history of transatlantic slavery as well." [(40:44)]
Conclusion and Further Reading
The episode concludes by acknowledging the deep-rooted legacy of the Lost Colony of Roanoke in shaping American myths and racial constructs. For those interested in exploring this topic further, Dr. Misha Yuen recommends scholarly works by James Horne and journalist Andrew Lawson, as well as her upcoming book on women in British colonialism.
"If people want to read more about Roanoke or about your work on Jamestown, where can they find that? ... there's some great scholarship by James Horne... a journalist named Andrew Lawson who's also done a lot of investigative work." [(41:47)]
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