Roanoke Island, NC Tree

Many theories exist about the settlers' fate on Roanoke Island, but none has been fully substantiated. One view is that the colonists sought refuge with neighboring Native Americans (probably the Coharie tribe) and were absorbed through intermarriage. Others have argued that the settlers were wiped out by an attack from Native Americans or by an unusually violent storm. Recent scientific studies involving tree ring growth analysis indicate the existence of a severe drought at that time — the worst in hundreds of years.

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h602.html