Pages

Thursday, May 3, 2012

John White's Maps Revealing Secrets Over Four Centuries Old


It is a mystery that has perplexed historians for more than 400 years - what ever became of the 120 settlers who tried to establish England's first colony on the north-east coast of America?
Queen Elizabeth I and famed explorer Sir Walter Raleigh had hoped the expedition in the 1580s would create a capital in the New World, but something went terribly wrong.
The men, women and children simply vanished - possibly massacred by native American Indians - any evidence of a settlement disappeared and the infamous 'lost colony' became rooted in American folklore.
But solving the centuries-old mystery may have come a step closer this week after experts identified a tantalising clue hidden in a map drawn by a man on that fateful voyage.



The map by John White in which scientists have found the possible location of Sir Walter Raleigh's 'lost colony'
The map illuminated from below which shows the hidden location

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2138832/Is-Walter-Raleigh-s-lost-colony-drawn-invisible-ink-Clue-400-year-old-mystery-discovered-map-North-America.html#ixzz1tpWNFq2f

The ink, which is also disguised by a piece of paper glued to it, was likely put together using milk, citrus juice or urine, as was common at the time.
Its use during the 'lost colony expedition' also sheds light on an era of political suspicion at the time.
Location, location, location: Roanake Island is located just off what is now the state of North Carolina. White's maps have been praised for being particularly accurate
Location, location, location: Roanake Island is located just off what is now the state of North Carolina. White's maps have been praised for being particularly accurate

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2138832/Is-Walter-Raleigh-s-lost-colony-drawn-invisible-ink-Clue-400-year-old-mystery-discovered-map-North-America.html#ixzz1tpVvn1o0

This blog is © History Chasers
Click here to view all recent Lost Colony Research Group Blog posts
Bookmark and Share