The colonists moved inland to the mysterious hidden fort

The detailed watercolor map created by John White, titled “La Virginea Pars,” displaying the North Carolina coast is notably accurate, even having been compared to modern satellite imaging.^[1] Beyond this, this map, upon further investigation, may have been hiding secrets only known to White and the colonists themselves. In 2012, the First Colony Foundation requested that the British Museum re-examine two small patches on the map (a common practice of the period to cover errors).^[2] Using advanced imaging techniques, the British Museum determined the smaller patch was covering a four-pointed star, outlined in blue, and filled in with red. This star, based on comparisons, may indicate the location of a fort inland from Roanoke Island where the colonists could have resettled.^[3] When examined further, there actually may be light markings of the star on top of the patch as well, which the British Museum proposed to be either ink fading over time or the use of an “invisible ink.” The invisible ink theory makes more sense than the ink fading over time theory because why would anyone use a patch to cover a marking, just to place the same marking on top? Excavations at this site have turned up evidence of European settlers from the 16th century.^[4] Finally, John White himself also referenced the possibility of such a settlement in his letters.^[5]