Final answer:
The Roanoke colony was the first English settlement in the New World but was abandoned by the time the governor John White returned in 1590, marked only by the word 'Croatoan.' The mysterious disappearance came before the successful establishment of Jamestown in 1607, which became the first permanent English settlement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roanoke Colony and the English Attempts at Colonization
The question refers to the historical period during which the Roanoke colony was established and later abandoned prior to the arrival of the English at Jamestown. The Roanoke colony, also known as the Lost Colony, was founded in 1587 under the governorship of John White, who later returned to England for supplies. Due to the Spanish Armada’s engagement and other delays, White didn't return until 1590, at which point he found the colony deserted, with the cryptic word Croatoan carved into a post. The disappearance of the Roanoke settlers remains a mystery, serving as a lesson in colonial endeavors. This failed attempt was followed by the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown, in 1607.
The explorations and failed colonization attempts by the English in the late 16th century are significant as they set the stage for future colonization efforts. These efforts eventually led to the success of colonies such as Jamestown, with the first successful English colony marking the beginning of English colonial presence in what would become the United States.
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