The sixth season of American Horror Story, titled Roanoke, plunged viewers into a terrifying narrative inspired by the infamous lost colony. While the series plays heavily with supernatural elements and fictionalizes events, its core inspiration – the mystery surrounding the Lost Colony of Roanoke – is rooted in a very real and unsettling historical event that took place in present-day North Carolina.
The Roanoke Legend: Fact, Fiction, and AHS’s Dark Twist
American Horror Story: Roanoke blends the true story of the Lost Colony with modern-day anxieties and supernatural horror tropes. Understanding the real Roanoke story is crucial to appreciating how the series deviates from and builds upon established historical facts. The show leverages the inherent mystery and unanswered questions surrounding the colony’s disappearance, magnifying the unease with fictional ghosts, cannibalistic inbreds, and blood sacrifices.
A Brief History of the Lost Colony
In 1587, a group of English colonists, led by Governor John White, landed on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. White returned to England for supplies, but his return was delayed for three years due to the Anglo-Spanish War. When he finally arrived back at Roanoke in 1590, he found the colony deserted. The only clue was the word “CROATOAN” carved into a post, and “CRO” carved into a tree. Croatoan was the name of a nearby island and the Native American tribe that inhabited it. The colonists were never seen again.
AHS’s Interpretation: More Than Just History
AHS: Roanoke presents a much more sinister explanation for the colony’s disappearance. The series depicts the colonists facing hostile Native American tribes, struggling with starvation, and ultimately falling prey to a malevolent entity named the Butcher (played by Kathy Bates). This entity demands blood sacrifices and drives the colonists to cannibalism and murder. While the historical record suggests conflict with Native Americans may have been a factor, the supernatural horror presented in the show is largely a fictionalized dramatization.
Where is Roanoke Located? Unveiling the True Coordinates
While American Horror Story: Roanoke uses the story as a framework, the real-life location of the historical events is paramount. The Lost Colony of Roanoke was located on Roanoke Island, part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The island lies between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean.
Visiting Roanoke Island Today
Today, Roanoke Island is a popular tourist destination, offering historical sites, natural beauty, and a glimpse into the unsolved mystery. Visitors can explore the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, which preserves the location of the original settlement. This site offers exhibits, guided tours, and archaeological programs that shed light on the lives of the colonists and the Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The island itself is easily accessible by car via bridge, making it a readily accessible location for those interested in learning more about the Roanoke mystery.
The Ambiguity Remains
Despite ongoing archaeological research and historical analysis, the ultimate fate of the Lost Colony remains a mystery. This ambiguity is precisely what American Horror Story: Roanoke capitalizes on, crafting a terrifying narrative from the unanswered questions of history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roanoke
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Roanoke story and its depiction in American Horror Story:
1. Is the “Butcher” character in AHS based on a real person?
No, the “Butcher” character in American Horror Story: Roanoke is entirely fictional. While the series incorporates historical elements, the Butcher and her story are a creation of the show’s writers to add a supernatural horror element to the narrative.
2. What does the word “CROATOAN” mean in the context of the Roanoke mystery?
“CROATOAN” was the name of a Native American tribe and the island they inhabited, located south of Roanoke Island. It’s generally believed that the colonists may have relocated to Croatoan Island, potentially integrating with the Croatoan tribe. However, this remains a theory.
3. Did the Roanoke colonists really resort to cannibalism?
There is no definitive historical evidence to support claims of cannibalism among the Roanoke colonists. American Horror Story uses this as a dramatic device to heighten the horror and portray the desperate circumstances the colonists faced.
4. What Native American tribes lived near Roanoke Island?
The Croatoan (also known as the Croatan) were the primary tribe in close proximity to the Roanoke colonists. Other Algonquian-speaking tribes, like the Secotan, also inhabited the region.
5. What are some of the main theories about what happened to the Lost Colony?
Several theories exist, including: assimilation into Native American tribes, migration inland, starvation and disease, attacks by Native American tribes, or a combination of factors.
6. What can I see if I visit Roanoke Island today?
Visitors can explore the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, learn about the history of the Lost Colony at the visitor center, visit the Elizabethan Gardens, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Outer Banks.
7. How accurate is the depiction of Native Americans in American Horror Story: Roanoke?
The depiction of Native Americans in AHS: Roanoke has been criticized for being stereotypical and culturally insensitive. The series often portrays them as savage and mystical, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
8. Was the weather a factor in the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists?
Some historians suggest that severe drought conditions may have contributed to the challenges faced by the colonists, leading to food shortages and potentially exacerbating conflicts with Native American tribes.
9. What archaeological evidence has been found on Roanoke Island?
Archaeological digs have unearthed evidence of European settlement, including tools, pottery shards, and other artifacts. However, no definitive evidence has been found to conclusively explain the fate of the Lost Colony.
10. How does American Horror Story use found footage in Roanoke?
AHS: Roanoke utilizes the found footage technique to create a sense of realism and immediacy. The first half of the season is presented as a documentary-style television show, with actors re-enacting the experiences of a couple who move into an old farmhouse in Roanoke.
11. Is the house in American Horror Story: Roanoke a real house on Roanoke Island?
No, the house depicted in American Horror Story: Roanoke is not a real house on Roanoke Island. It was constructed for filming purposes.
12. What is the lasting impact of the Roanoke mystery?
The Roanoke mystery continues to fascinate people because it represents one of the greatest unsolved enigmas in American history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of colonization and the importance of understanding the complexities of history. It also speaks to our inherent fascination with the unknown.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the Unexplained
While American Horror Story: Roanoke takes significant liberties with the historical record, it successfully taps into the enduring mystery and unsettling nature of the Lost Colony story. By separating fact from fiction, viewers can appreciate the real-life enigma of Roanoke while also recognizing the creative liberties taken by the show. Roanoke Island, North Carolina, remains a tangible link to a past shrouded in mystery, inviting further exploration and fueling ongoing speculation about the fate of the Lost Colony. The true horror, perhaps, lies not in the supernatural, but in the enduring uncertainty surrounding those who vanished without a trace.