Directions for Writing Assignment:

This assignment is worth 100 points. You will write an essay (not MLA, APA, or Chicago Style) as described below. The first page should only have your name, Writing Assignment #1, the date due, and the class name (HIST1301 – US History 1). Your paper should begin on page 2. Your paper should be at least 300 words (This includes the title page information). Please feel free to write more; however, it is not required. Please give more than, “My significant other said so.” or “I saw it on Wikipedia; therefore, it must be true.” I want you to critically think about the setting, the era, and the surrounding circumstances of the piece(s) you are reacting to.

Your paper should be formatted as double spaced, Times New Roman, font 12. If you use a direct quote, please be sure to cite it in order to avoid plagiarism! Also, please do not copy anything or get your information from Wikipedia!!!!

RUBRIC:

Content: 80 points

300 Words (or more): 10 points

Grammar/spelling/punctuation: 10 points

Please read the following explanation which gives a little more detail and then choose one of the possible outcomes of the colonists. Please expound on the 1 hypothesis you choose and provide a “hypothetical” explanation backing it up or you may come up with a different one if you do not believe that one of these is a possible answer. DO NOT SIMPLY RESTATE A HYPOTHESIS BELOW AND JUST AGREE WITH IT. GIVE YOUR OWN SPIN ON IT/ELABORATE ON IT/EXPLAIN IT OR YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE MANY POINTS! There is no correct answer because we do not know what happened to them. This is only a creative/critical thinking writing assignment.

In 1587, Sir Walter Raleigh established a colony on Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina. With winter approaching, John White, the governor of the colony, sailed to England to bring food and equipment. But, White’s return trip was delayed, and it was three years before he saw the colony again. Upon his return, White found the entire colony deserted. There were no signs of violence and everything had been left in place. On one tree, the letters CRO had been carved; another bore the word CROATOAN. White hypothesized that the colonialists had moved to the Croatoan Island, about fifty miles away. His captain disagreed, arguing that they might have been taken prisoner or massacred by the Croatoan Indians. But because there was no cross after the message, which would have warned White of trouble, he believed that the colonists must not have been in danger when they left. White made plans to sail to the Croatoan Island, but storms forced him to return to England instead. Five other search expeditions were sent to locate the colonists, but none met with any success. Some fair-complected Indians in North Carolina believe that they are descendants of the Roanoke Settlers. (Story by Karen Meier, Fort Hays State University student)

Hypothesis #1: The colonists were running out of supplies and feared that White would not return in time. They decided to sail back to England, but their ship was lost at sea.

Hypothesis #2: The colonists were highly religious people who often practiced meditation. They discovered a plant with special spiritual qualities, which allowed them to enter a spiritual realm. While in the spiritual realm, they still inhabit the world, although they cannot be seen by others or in any way interact with the physical realm. They can, however, pass freely between the physical and spiritual realms at will. When White returned, they tried to let him know that they were safe, but he couldn’t see them. They decided to leave a message for him, so they carved CROATOAN in the tree. But White didn’t understand the importance of their message and he was unable to enter the spiritual realm the colonists still inhabit today.

Hypothesis #3: Your own idea of what happened to the colonists. Be creative and have fun!!