Virginia Dare's Birthday

Where, oh where is Virginia Dare? It is a question that has echoed through the live oaks and red cedars of the Outer Banks for centuries. On this day in 1587 Dare was born on Roanoke Island becoming the first child of English parents born in America. Virginia was the granddaughter of Governor John White.

Exactly three years later Governor White returned from a supply trip to England to find that the Roanoke Island settlement had been deserted. Sweet Virginia and all the others had vanished. The only clue was the word CROATOAN carved into tree. White attempted to sail south to Croatan or Hatteras Island, however, severe storms forced him back to England. No one would ever hear from the coastal settlers again.