Archaeologist Mark Horton and his team have discovered evidence that suggests the Roanoke colonists assimilated into the Native American community on Hatteras Island, rather than facing a tragic fate. The discovery of English artifacts and iron-working technology supports this theory.
Key Points
Evidence of iron-working technology on Hatteras Island supports theory of assimilation
Discovery of English artifacts from the 16th century implies the colonists lived among the Croatoans
Hammerscale found at the site indicates the presence of English technology
Pros
Discovery sheds light on a longstanding historical mystery
Provides insight into the assimilation of English colonists into Native American society
Cons
The legend of the Lost Colony may still endure despite the archaeological evidence