Who was the English explorer and navigator associated with the lost colony of Roanoke?

The English explorer and navigator associated with the lost colony of Roanoke is Sir Walter Raleigh. Raleigh is known for sponsoring the attempts to establish the Roanoke Colony in what is now North Carolina during the late 16th century. He was granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I to explore and colonize parts of the New World. His efforts led to the establishment of the colony in 1585, although it ultimately failed, leading to its designation as the "lost colony." Sir Walter Raleigh's connection to Roanoke is also significant because he played a crucial role in promoting the idea of colonization and the potential wealth of the Americas.

The other individuals listed were notable explorers, but they were not directly involved with Roanoke. John Smith is primarily known for his role in establishing the Jamestown colony in Virginia. Christopher Columbus is recognized for his voyages that led to the European awareness of the Americas. John Cabot is noted for his exploration of North America and is often credited with being one of the first Europeans to explore the eastern coast of the continent. Each of their contributions to exploration is significant, but only Sir Walter Raleigh is linked to the narrative of the lost colony of Roanoke.