Recently, more than one television documentary has offered viewing audiences one spin after another about one of America's favorite historical mysteries–the Lost Colony. Through my work with Coastal Carolina Indian Center, as well as my own roots in the region that go back to the earliest colonists and the Algonquian peoples of the coast, I have always had a particular interest in the Lost Colony, but also the other Roanoke expeditions as well. (Yes, there were others.) It was in those … [Read More...] about What is the truth about the Lost Colony? – New insight into America’s oldest “mystery”
Just because it’s on a sign, doesn’t mean it’s true
If you're ever in the Old Burying Ground in Beaufort, NC and see this sign, just know it's wrong. The "Tuscarora War," which was actually an Indian War that included militants from multiple tribes, wasn't fought anywhere near the town of Beaufort. On September 22, 1711, a group of more than 500 men, comprised of Tuscarora, Bay (Bear) River, Machapunga, Neusioc and Coree Indians, fell upon settlers along the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers — not the town of Beaufort — and they killed more than … [Read More...] about Just because it’s on a sign, doesn’t mean it’s true
A New Look at the Tuscarora War
Editor's note: In 2013, a book was published by Dr. David LaVere, PhD, a professor of history at UNC-Wilmington, entitled The Tuscarora War. In his book, LaVere references an article that was originally posted at this site and written by Sara Whitford. Although Ms. Whitford's article was originally published in 2007, when the site was remodeled and moved web hosts a few years ago, that article was one of several items that were not ported over from the original site. When it came to our … [Read More...] about A New Look at the Tuscarora War
Remembering John Crazybear ‘Papa Bear’
Earlier this week we lost a dear friend. For our family, and so many others whose lives were enriched by knowing his friendship, very special memories will endure. I recall my first having met John Crazy Bear, known to many as 'Papa Bear,' in the 90's when I was teaching courses in American Indian studies at Coastal Carolina Community College and also working as the founding director of Camp Croatan for Kids. Having Papa Bear enrolled in a number of my classes enriched the learning … [Read More...] about Remembering John Crazybear ‘Papa Bear’