Final answer:
Roanoke Island is located off the coast of modern North Carolina and is known as "the lost colony" after its settlers disappeared mysteriously in the late 16th century when John White returned with supplies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roanoke Island is a historic location situated off the coast of modern North Carolina. It became famously known as the lost colony due to the mysterious disappearance of its settlers. In July of 1587, approximately 150 settlers, under the leadership of John White, established a settlement on the island. The area, marked by the Outer Banks, comprises shallow waters along the mid-Atlantic coast vital for early navigation and later for English pirates and privateers. This site was part of Sir Walter Raleigh's attempt to establish an English colony in the New World during the late 16th century. After White left for England to secure more supplies, upon his return in 1590, he found the colony deserted with the word "Croatoan" carved into a fence post, the only clue to the settlers' fate.