The single word carved into the wood became the oldest mystery in American history.

1587: John White’s expedition lands approximately 115–120 people on Roanoke Island (in present-day North Carolina), marking the first attempt to establish a permanent English colony in the New World. White leaves for England to fetch supplies but becomes stranded there for three years due to the war between England and Spain. 1590: Upon his return, he finds the colony deserted. The houses have been dismantled and removed—not burned or destroyed, but specifically taken apart, a crucial detail. The only traces left behind are the word "CROATOAN" carved into the palisade and "CRO" carved into a tree. Stormy weather prevents White from reaching the Croatoan Islands (modern-day Hatteras); he returns to England without ever learning the truth.