Walter Raleigh Facts

Picture of the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh

Picture of the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh

This article on  the biography and life of Walter Raleigh provides facts and information about:

  • Who was Walter Raleigh?
  • What was his involvement in the Discovery of America?
  • His backing that led to the establishment of the Virginia colony of Roanoke Island
  • Life and Biography of Walter Raleigh
  • Fast information and interesting facts about this famous explorer
  • Educational resource for teachers and kids
Explorers & Discovery of America
American Colonies Index

History of the Famous Explorers and the Discovery of America

The discovery of America and the brave explorers like Sir Walter Raleigh who led the way for the early colonists

Facts about Walter Raleigh
The following Fact File contains fast information about the life of Walter Raleigh. Interesting facts and an overview and description of the life and times and his involvement in the Exploration and the discovery of the New World leading to the colonization of America refer to the Charter to Sir Walter Raleigh .

Sir Walter Raleigh ships at Trinidad

Sir Walter Raleigh & ships at Trinidad

Facts about Walter Raleigh

Walter Raleigh Fact 1 Why was Walter Raleigh famous and what part of America did he explore? In 1578, Sir Walter Raleigh sailed to America with explorer Sir Humphrey Gilbert, his half brother. Sir Walter Raleigh provided the backing that led to the establishment of the Virginia colony of Roanoke Island and the introduction of tobacco and potatoes in England. He also led an expedition to find El Dorado, the fabled 'Golden Land', exploring the Orinoco river in Guiana (now Venezuela).

Walter Raleigh Fact 2 When was Walter Raleigh born? He was born in 1552

Walter Raleigh Fact 3 What was his country of origin and where was Walter Raleigh born? He was born in Hayes Barton in East Budleigh, Devon, England

Walter Raleigh Fact 4 Walter Raleigh was related to other famous explorers including Sir Humphrey Gilbert, John Hawkins, Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake

Walter Raleigh Fact 5 Walter Raleigh was from a wealthy farming  and merchant family who were looking for new trade routes and trading opportunities in the New World.

Walter Raleigh Fact 6 He was well educated in typical Elizabethan subjects including navigation, astronomy, cartography, mathematics and seamanship

Walter Raleigh Fact 7 In 1578 Sir Walter Raleigh made his first trip to America on a ship called the Falcon, with his half brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert

Walter Raleigh Fact 8 In 1580 he helped to put down the Irish rebellion and became a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I

Walter Raleigh Fact 9 March 25, 1584: Walter Raleigh receives the patent to explore and establish colonies in North America - refer to

Walter Raleigh Fact 10 Sir Walter Raleigh's fleet of 7 ships, under Richard Grenville and Ralph Lane, with 108 men, reached Roanoke Island in June 1584.

Facts about Walter Raleigh for Kids

Facts about Walter Raleigh
This article contains a short biography in a fact file format in date order. Fast facts and information about the life of Walter Raleigh (1552 - 1618). Who was Walter Raleigh and why was he famous? When did he explore the New World of America? Which area of America did Walter Raleigh explore? Read the fact file that provides fast access to interesting facts for kids about the life of this famous explorer and his place in the history of America.

Execution of Sir Walter Raleigh

Execution of Sir Walter Raleigh

Facts about Walter Raleigh

Walter Raleigh Fact 11 June 4, 1584: Virginia colony of Roanoke Island established by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Walter Raleigh Fact 12 January 6, 1585: Queen Elizabeth I knights Walter Raleigh and makes him governor of the new territory discovered by Amadas and Barlowe

Walter Raleigh Fact 13 Sir Walter Raleigh names the colony "Virginia" in honor of the English queen

Walter Raleigh Fact 14 July 22, 1587: Sir Walter Raleigh backed the first English Colony of Roanoke in North America of North Carolina led by John White

Walter Raleigh Fact 15 August 18, 1587: Virginia Dare was born in Roanoke colony, she was the first English child born in North America

Walter Raleigh Fact 16 6 February, 1595: Sir Walter Raleigh sails to the New World to search for the city of El Dorado (the city of gold) and during the voyage explores the Orinoco and Guiana

Walter Raleigh Fact 17 In 1603 King James I imprisoned Sir Walter Raleigh in the Tower of London on charges of treason

Walter Raleigh Fact 18 In 1612 King James released Sir Walter Raleigh from the tower. He promises to give King James a fortune if he allows him to return to Guiana - his mission fails.

Walter Raleigh Fact 19 Sir Walter Raleigh attacks a Spanish settlement and returns to England
 
Walter Raleigh Fact 20 October 29, 1618: Sir Walter Raleigh is beheaded at the Tower of London for attacking the Spanish (who King James wanted to appease)

Facts about Walter Raleigh for Kids

Walter Raleigh Facts for kids
The life and biography of Walter Raleigh is presented in a short, easy fact file format that is highly suitable for kids. The facts about  are a fast and accurate way to gain a good understanding of the life of this famous man who played a major role in the Discovery of America. The facts include the major events in the life of Walter Raleigh together with important dates and details of his family. For additional facts for kids and information refer to the additional articles including:

Mercator World Map

The Exploration & Discovery of America - The Geradus Mercator World Map

Walter Raleigh

  • Life, Biography and fast, interesting fun, facts for kids

  • Life History Biography and fun facts

  • Fast Facts and info about this famous explorer for kids

  • The biography is a great history resource for kids

  • Social Studies Homework help for kids on this famous explorer

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