Map of lost Roanoke colony dating back 425 years may hold new clues

A 425-year-old map of Roanoke island, may hold clues as to how a British colony that once occupied the land mysteriously disappeared.

The lost colony set up by Sir Walter Raleigh, where over 100 English settlers disappeared without a trace, baffled historians for centuries.

According to the New York Times, experts from both the First Colony Foundation and the British Museum, announced that a new look at the “Virginea Pars” map created by explorer John White in the 1580s, may hold a clue to the fate of the colony.

The new evidence comes in the form of two patches on the map, one of which appears to cover a fort in northeastern North Carolina.

The fort, say the researchers, was likely where the colonists moved after abandoning Roanoke.

“We believe that this evidence provides conclusive proof that they moved westward up the Albemarle Sound to the confluence of the Chowan and Roanoke rivers,” said James Horn, vice president of research and historical interpretation at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, reported the Telegraph.

“Their intention was to create a settlement. And this is what we believe we are looking at with this symbol — their clear intention, marked on the map …”

Theories of how the colony was lost range from the colonists having been integrated by local tribes to eaten by them.

Another theory is that the Spanish destroyed the nascent British colony.

The new theory is said to be more likely but researchers still urge caution.

“This is really the best new clue in 150 years,” said Brent Lane, adjunct Professor of Heritage Education at University of North Carolina, reported the Outer Banks Voice.

“This is really a good solid lead. But it’s not conclusive, and it won’t be until we find something.”

The map is currently held at the British Museum.