The Roanoke Colony, also known as the Lost Colony was established on Roanoke Island in what is now North Carolina, United States, in 1587 The settlement was sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh. John White led a group of approximately 115 English settlers, including men, women, and children, to establish the colony. Governor White returned to England to get more supplies. His return was delayed for three years because of a war between England and Spain.