In the late 1500s, Thomas Hariot came from London to Roanoke Island as part of the privately funded Roanoke Voyages, which sought wealth and power in the New World despite Queen Elizabeth’s support. Assigned by Sir Walter Raleigh to determine what resources could be gained there, Hariot, one of the preeminent scientists of his time, documented the value of the plants, animals, and minerals he found in 1585. After returning to England in 1586, he brought encouraging news to Raleigh and his investors, enthusiastically praising both the people and the land and presenting Virginia’s commodities as a source of trade, enrichment, and profit for England.