Dismissed as a forgery, could a mysterious stone found near Roanoke's 'Lost Colony' be real?

[FSogol]

Last edited Wed Jul 11, 2018, 04:53 PM - Edit history (1)

In 1937, a California tourist walked into the history department of Emory University in Atlanta with a 21-pound engraved rock he said he’d found in a swamp while traveling through North Carolina. It immediately caught the eye of Haywood Pearce Jr., an Emory professor who also served as vice president of Brenau, a small women’s college in Gainesville, Ga.

On one side, the engraving appeared to be a grave marker, reading, “Ananias Dare & Virginia Went Hence Unto Heaven 1591 Anye Englishman Shew John White Govr Via.” On the other side, the inscription was much longer and appeared to address White as “Father”: “Soone After You Goe for England Wee Cam Hither Onlie Misarie & Warre Tow Yeere … Ye Salvages Faine Spirits Angrie Suddaine Murther Al Save Seaven Mine Childe Ananais to Slaine wth Much Misarie.”

It was signed “EWD” — the initials of Eleanor White Dare.

Good story about the lost Roanoke Colony and the perils of offering public bounties on recovering historical artifacts.

Whole story by Washington Post's Gillian Brockell here:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/retropolis/wp/2018/07/05/dismissed-as-a-forgery-could-a-mysterious-stone-found-near-roanokes-lost-colony-actually-be-real/?utm_term=.0cb604162c30&wpisrc=nl_buzz&wpmm=1

[PJMcK]

1. We were at the Lost Colony last week!

The disappearance of the colony is probably an unsolvable mystery. The museum and grounds are a wonderful insight into the early attempt to colonize the area. They have a whole exhibit about the Dare Stones. The article refers to a play; it's the seasonal outdoor presentation of "The Lost Colony" written in 1937 by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Paul Green.

Nearby is Ocracoke Island which is where the pirate Blackbeard had his hideout. Just across the Sound from Manteo (where the Lost Colony is located) is the site of the Wright Brothers accomplishments at Kitty Hawk.

The whole area of the Outer Banks is spectacular in history and frighteningly beautiful in nature.

Thanks for the post, FSogol!

[FSogol]

2. I've been there to, but don't remember the Dare Stones.

One of my favorite mysteries. Have to revisit sometime.

[PJMcK]

3. Did you ever see the "symphonic drama"?

My fiancee and her sisters were all cast in various productions years ago. It's kind of dated but it's spectacular in its own way.

[FSogol]

6. Not that I remember. Sorry. n/t

[eppur_se_muova]

4. Book rec: Big Chief Elizabeth

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/518853.Big_Chief_Elizabeth

[FSogol]

5. Looks good, thanks. n/t