Welcome to Ritter Cove in Frisco, NC, a location steeped in the early history of English colonization in America. This site is significant due to its connection to the Lost Colony of Roanoke, a story that has intrigued historians and the general public for centuries.
In 1587, a group of 115 English settlers, led by Captain John White, intended to establish the first permanent English colony in America on Roanoke Island. However, when White returned to the settlement in 1590 after an absence, he found it deserted, with no trace of the settlers except for the word ‘Croatoan’ carved into a wooden post. This mystery has become known as the story of the Lost Colony.
Scott Dawson, a native of Hatteras Island, has been working to shed light on this historical enigma. He argues that much of what has been accepted as fact is actually myth, perpetuated by stories and plays like the 1937 Lost Colony drama. Dawson’s research, rooted in primary sources and archaeological evidence, suggests that the colonists may have integrated with the local Croatoan people, now known as the Hatteras Tribe.
The area around Ritter Cove was visited by English explorers as early as 1584, during expeditions led by Captain Phillip Amadas and Captain Arthur Barlowe. These early interactions between the English and the Croatoan were marked by mutual curiosity and cooperation, laying the groundwork for future encounters.
Over time, Ritter Cove and the surrounding areas have evolved from sites of early colonial contact to places of historical inquiry, attracting researchers and visitors interested in unraveling the past. The cove serves as a reminder of the complex narratives of colonization and cultural exchange in early American history.
As you explore Ritter Cove, imagine the bustling activity of those early days and consider the enduring mysteries that still capture our imagination.
