Virginia Dare Leaden Plaque; Hoax or Genuine Evidence?

Did Virginia Dare die while captive of Powhatan?



If the story reported in several newspapers in 1924 is true, it must have been very exciting when Russel Kaufman and Elroy Yerovi of Washington, NC struck a metal object when digging a hole for a tree and discovered its startling message.

In 1924 (several) newspapers* reported a find in Washington, NC by a Russel Kaufman and Elroy Yerovi of a “hammered lead” note whose waxen coating was removed to reveal: “ Virgin Dare, Died Here, Captif of Powhatan, 1590 Charles R.” it also stated that the Smithsonian Institute was making further excavations. The find was on “P Street, N.W. Washington” which is about 3.5 miles from Roanoke.

The articles from Oshkosh, Wisconsin in The Daily Northwestern 16 January 1924 and Appleton, Wisconsin in the Appleton Post Crescent 21 January, 1924 are accessable here:

http://www.genpage.com/VD1.jpg

http://www.genpage.com/VD2.jpg

Other newspapers reporting the find:

*Decatur, Illinois in the Decatur Review 14 January, 1924
Appleton, Wisconsin in the Appleton Post Crescent 21 January, 1924
Mansfield, Ohio in the Mansfield News 20 January 1924
Reno, Nevada in the Nevada State Journal 18 January 1924
Oshkosh, Wisconsin in The Daily Northwestern 16 January 1924

Contributed by Pat Bowen

Virginia Dare was the first known English child born in the New World. The child of Elinor and Ananias Dare, she was among the Colonists left behind in 1587 on Roanoke Island. The fact of her birth is known because the leader of the colony, sent to establish Raleigh Citee, Eleanor Dare's father, John White, returned to England to seek assistance for the colony. When White returned three years later, the colonists were gone. Neither Virginia's fate nor that of the Colony's is known after 400 years.

It is not known where the leaden plaque is now or what conclusions were reached concerning its validity. Perhaps modern techniques could confirm or deny the authenticity of this plaque. Any further information would be deeply appreciated.

History Chasers

Washington, NC


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