The Ralph Lane Colony By 9385810 1585 The queen recalled Lane from Ireland and he was given command of the colony that Sir Walter Raleigh was organizing to sail to Virginia. Period: 1585 to 1586 The Ralph Lane Colony Apr 9, 1585 7 ships left for Roanoke. Jun 26, 1585 Arrive on Roanoke. 1586 The colony suffered from lack of food and supplies and Lane lacked skills of dealing with the nearby villagers. 1586 Sir Francis Drake left Roanoke carrying the colonies back home.