Manteo (Native American leader) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Manteo
Croatan, Algonquian peoples leader
Personal details
Born	circa 1564
Died	Unknown
Known for	Roanoke Colony, travels to England, co-operation with English settlement

Manteo was a Croatan Native American who lived around Roanoke Island in the late 1500s. He became a good friend to the early English explorers who arrived in 1584. Many people thought Manteo was a chief, but it's believed his mother was the main leader of their tribe.

Manteo helped the English colonists survive their first harsh winter in 1585. He even traveled to England twice, in 1584 and 1585. Later, he returned to the New World with Governor John White and the settlers who started "The Lost Colony" in 1587. On August 13, 1587, Manteo was baptized on Roanoke Island. This made him the first Native American to join the Church of England.

Manteo's Early Life

We don't know much about Manteo's childhood. He was born into the Croatan tribe. This was a small Native American group living in what is now coastal North Carolina. They lived in the area of today's Dare County. This includes the Alligator River, Croatan Sound, Roanoke Island, and parts of the Outer Banks. Manteo first appears in history when he met English explorers in 1584. These explorers were sent by Sir Walter Raleigh to explore and settle the New World.

Travels to England

Thomas Harriot learned the Carolina Algonquian language from Wanchese and Manteo.

The village of Secoton on Roanoke Island, painted by Governor John White around 1585.

At first, the English and Native Americans were friendly. Manteo became one of the first Native Americans to visit England. The explorers convinced Manteo and another "lusty man" named Wanchese to sail back to London with them. The English wanted to learn about the New World and how it could be useful to them.

Manteo and Wanchese arrived in England in September 1584. They caused a big stir at court. Sir Walter Raleigh wanted to learn about his new land, Virginia. He limited who could meet the two Native Americans. He asked the scientist Thomas Harriot to learn the Carolina Algonquian language. Harriot created his own system to write down the sounds and translate.

Both Manteo and Wanchese stayed at Raleigh's home in London. Wanchese was not interested in learning English. He did not become friends with his hosts. He felt like a prisoner, not a guest. By Christmas 1584, Harriot could talk with both men in their language. Manteo was much more helpful than Wanchese.

Harriot and Manteo spent many days together. Harriot asked Manteo many questions about life in the New World. He learned a lot that helped the English settlers. Manteo also shared how amazed Native Americans were by European technology. He said things like compasses and clocks seemed like "works of gods than men."

Manteo and Wanchese returned to the New World in April 1585. They sailed with Sir Richard Grenville's group. They reached the warm waters of the Caribbean in just 21 days. This trip was led by Sir Ralph Lane. Harriot, who now spoke Carolina Algonquian, came along to translate between the tribes and the English.

Manteo and Wanchese traveled to England again later in the same decade. After this trip, they returned to Roanoke with the English. Sir Walter Raleigh likely wanted Manteo to come to England to learn more about English culture. This included improving his English language skills and understanding the Anglican Christian faith better.

Manteo and the Lost Colony

In 1587, Manteo returned to Roanoke with Governor John White. This group tried to start a permanent English colony, but it later became known as "The Lost Colony." Manteo was involved in some nighttime attacks in 1587. The Native Americans told the English that some of their men had been killed. The English tried to get revenge on the Roanoke tribe. But, they accidentally killed several Croatan people instead.

Manteo was a go-between for the English and the Native Americans. He was loyal to the English, but he also cared about his own people. He felt mixed emotions about the attacks. He understood both sides of the conflict.

Manteo's Role in Relations with Colonists

An old drawing of Manteo from a book published in 1901.

Manteo was very important for communication between the English and Native Americans. He helped during the early voyages and explorations of the New World. The friendship between Manteo and the English is an early example of good relations between different cultures in North America.

Manteo was a trusted friend, teacher, and guide to the English settlers. He also stayed loyal to his own people. This was during a time when relations between the English and Native Americans were often difficult. Manteo helped the English learn about their language and culture. He also acted as a mediator during conflicts. Because he was so friendly with the English, some Croatan people sometimes thought Manteo was disloyal or a traitor.

Other Native Americans were also friendly with the English. These included Wanchese and Towaye. They also had relationships with Manteo and the English colonists.

Manteo's Religion

A plaque on Roanoke Island marking Manteo's christening.

Manteo is known as the first Native American to become an Anglican Christian. Some historians think Sir Walter Raleigh encouraged this. It may have been a way to help Manteo work better with the English. Manteo kept his original name after his conversion. He might have helped the English try to convert other Native Americans too. In 2008, the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina decided to remember Manteo's baptism every year on August 17.

Manteo's Legacy

After the English settlement was abandoned, Manteo's story became unclear. We don't know the details of his death. He might have left with the colonists when they left Roanoke. The town of Manteo, North Carolina, is named after him today.

Images for kids

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  A drawing of an Algonquian man, similar to how Manteo might have dressed.