Why was the word croaton carved on a tree in the lost colony?

The Word "Croatoan" was carved into a tree by John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony, during his return to the settlement in 1590 after a three-year absence. It was intended as a message indicating that the colonists had relocated to Croatoan Island, as there was no sign of the settlers at Roanoke. This carving, along with the absence of the colonists, has fueled speculation about their fate and possible interactions with local Indigenous tribes. The mystery of the Lost Colony remains unsolved, with "Croatoan" symbolizing both hope and uncertainty.