The Lost Colony Chapter

Franklin, North Carolina

Our society honors our Colonial Ancestors who were here in America before 1701. Our members are descended from the most extraordinary people and adventurers that ever lived. Through research and documentation, our members show that they are direct descendants from their colonial family members. Additionally, the National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century maintains a library of Heraldry which preserves the lineage and Coats of Arms of our Armorial Ancestors.

The Lost Colony Chapter is located in Franklin, NC, which is about 60 miles southwest of Asheville and was organized on October 5, 2013. Our members, currently 21, meet four times per year and enjoy interesting programs about colonial history, history of western North Carolina, veteran services, and local educational/women’s needs.

Our chapter is named for The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island. On July 22, 1587, ninety men, seventeen women, and nine children from England landed on Roanoke Island. Among the settlers were Governor John White, his pregnant daughter Eleanor Dare, with her husband, Ananias Dare. On August 18, 1587, Eleanor Dare gave birth to a daughter named Virginia, who is considered the first English child born in America.

Depiction of the baptism of Virginia Dare, born August 1587, in the Roanoke Colony of what is now North Carolina. (Photo courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina)