Editing Roanoke Colony (section)

===1701–1709: John Lawson===
Sea traffic through Roanoke Island fell into decline in the 17th century, owing to the dangerous waters of the Outer Banks.{{Sfn|Lawler|2018|p=126}} In 1672, the inlet between Hatorask and Croatoan Islands closed, and the resulting landmass became known as [[Hatteras Island]].{{Sfn|Brooks|2014|p= 180}}

During [[John Lawson (explorer)|John Lawson]]'s 1701–1709 exploration of northern [[Province of Carolina|Carolina]], he visited Hatteras Island and encountered the [[Hatteras Indians|Hatteras]] people.{{Sfn|Brooks|2014|p= 171}} Although there is evidence of European activity in the Outer Banks throughout the 17th century, Lawson was the first historian to investigate the region since White left in 1590.{{Sfn|Brooks|2014|pp= 181–182}} Lawson was impressed with the influence of English culture on the Hatteras. They reported that several of their ancestors had been white, and some of them had gray eyes, supporting this claim. Lawson theorized that members of the 1587 colony had assimilated into this community after they lost hope of regaining contact with England.{{Sfn|Lawson|1709|p= 62}} While visiting Roanoke Island itself, Lawson reported finding the remains of a fort, as well as English coins, firearms, and a powder horn.{{Sfn|Lawler|2018|p=138}}