Thomas Hariot Trail

Exhibit

Quick Facts

Location:

Manteo, NC

Significance:

Hiking Trail

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

The Thomas Hariot Trail, offers great views of Albemarle Sound while exploring the beautiful and unique maritime forest. There are great opportunities for birding along the trail, and several trailside markers provide some perspecitve on the area and ecosystem. Trail is a half-mile loop.

A Strange New Land

In the late 1500s, Roanoke Island and London had very little in common. Imagine what it was like for Thomas Hariot when he first set foot on this strange new land. New people, new plants, new animals- everything was truly "new." Is this land new to you? Look carefully and listen closely as you walk this trail. What strikes you most about this foreign land?
 

A Very Costly Venture

Although supported by Queen Elizabeth, the Roanoke Voyages were privately funded. Surely there was wealth and power to be gained in the New World, but how much, and where? Sir Walter Raleigh assigned Thomas Hariot, one of the most preeminent scientists of the time, to answer these questions.

While here in 1585, Hariot documented the value of the plants, animals, and minerals he found. Returning to England in 1586, Hariot brought good news to Raleigh and his investors, enthusiastically praising both the people and the land of the New World

> ...commodities alreadie found or to be raised...as by way of trafficke and exchange with our owne nation of England, will enrich your selves the providers; those that shal deal with you; the enterprisers in general; and greatly profit our owne countrey men... -Thomas Hariot, A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia