In 1587, 115 English settlers vanished from Roanoke Island without a trace, leaving behind only the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post and “CRO” etched into a tree. Governor John White returned in 1590 to find the colony abandoned, with no signs of struggle or burial. Theories range from assimilation with Native tribes to massacre, starvation, or supernatural intervention. Paranormal lore includes sightings of ghostly figures, phantom ships and the White Doe, said to be the cursed spirit of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas. The island is also home to Roanoke Island Inn, where guests report apparitions, disembodied footsteps and poltergeist activity.