Forgotten American Files

A Race To Florida

Case File: FAF-003

Collection: Forgotten American Files

Research Institute: NFP

Author: Douglas Estill

Published: 06/08/2026

Most Americans know that St. Augustine, Florida, was founded in 1565 and stands today as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States. Yet by beginning the story there, history begins at the end rather than at the beginning.

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The Lost Colony Wasn’t Lost

Case File: FAF-002

Collection: Forgotten American Files

Research Institute: NFP

Author: Douglas Estill

Published: 06/12/2026

History has a habit of remembering kings, admirals, and governors while overlooking the people whose lives gave meaning to great events. The Lost Colony was not composed of legends. It was composed of human beings.

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After Roanoke

Case File: FAF-001

Collection: Forgotten American Files

Research Institute: NFP

Author: Douglas Estill

Published: 07/07/2026

When Governor John White sailed away from Roanoke Island in August 1587, he believed he would return within a matter of months.

Instead, England went to war with Spain.

Ships were commandeered.

The Spanish Armada threatened England’s survival.

Three years passed before White finally stood again upon the shore of Roanoke.

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