In 1585, Sir Walter Raleigh sent a group of colonists to establish a new settlement on Roanoke Island, with Ralph Lane as the governor. This marked an important effort in England's attempt to create a foothold in the New World, competing with Spain and other European powers for territory and resources. The group set sail aboard the ship, the Tiger, and landed on Roanoke Island after a difficult journey, where they began the arduous task of building a colony.

Upon their arrival, the colonists faced numerous challenges, particularly with their relations with the local Native American tribes. Initial contact was marked by curiosity and cooperation, but it soon turned to tensions as the colonists sought to impose their presence and interests. The colonists' struggles included securing food and supplies, leading them to sometimes resort to antagonistic measures against local tribes. Despite these challenges, they managed to explore the region, document its resources, and map the coastline.

However, these efforts would ultimately face significant hardships as communication with England became strained. Lane's governance resulted in several attempts to interface with indigenous groups, but the lack of reinforcements and proper supplies led to the decision to abandon the settlement. The Roanoke Colony's saga became a poignant emblem of early colonial attempts and the complexities of early interactions between English settlers and Native Americans.