1587

Event dated 1585–1590

English attempt Roanoke Colony

Poets involved

What happened

In 1587, Sir Walter Raleigh's expeditions established the Roanoke settlement in present-day North Carolina, which mysteriously vanished, becoming one of the earliest unsolved mysteries of American history. This attempt at colonization was significant as it represented the first English settlement in the New World, highlighting the challenges of establishing a foothold in unfamiliar territory. The disappearance of the Roanoke colonists raised questions about survival, relations with Native Americans, and the viability of English colonization efforts.

Literary impact

The English attempt to establish the Roanoke Colony in 1587, known as the 'Lost Colony,' inspired poets like Edmund Spenser to explore themes of exploration and the complexities of colonial ambition. This narrative of failure and mystery became a rich source for later reflections on the New World in poetry.

Source: Wikipedia

Poets alive in 1587

72 poets

More events in 1587

Skip to main content