In 1587 Raleigh ordered another expedition that included women and children, hoping to establish a permanent colony. Led by John White, these settlers rebuilt the fort. On Aug. 18, 1587, White's granddaughter, Virginia Dare, became the first English child born in the New World.
Several days later White sailed back to England for provisions, but Spanish hostilities delayed his return until 1590. He arrived to find no trace of the colonists. Many theories about the fate of the “Lost Colony” have been proposed, but the mystery remains unsolved.
Earthworks representing those that probably were part of the original fort have been reconstructed. A simple granite stone commemorates the birth of Virginia Dare. For visitor information about the site, phone (252) 473-2111.