Welcome to Fort Raleigh

Orientation exhibit

Quick Facts

Location:

Manteo, NC

Significance:

Interpretive Marker

Amenities

4 listed

Benches/Seating, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information

Roanoke Island has been the scene of historical dramas for more than four centuries. Algonquians, Europeans, and African Americans have all played their parts here.

First here were the Carolina Algonquian, who farmed the land and fished the sounds. In 1584, English explorers sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh arrived here. It was the first of three voyages in England's attempt to colonize North America. During the American Civil War, the US Army established a freedmen's colony here. The colony prepared formerly enslaved people for life after the war.

Today, The Lost Colony dramatically interprets the 1580s interactions between the Algonquian and English. Welcome to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, where the stories connected with these and other events are preserved and commemorated.

This exhibit highlights eight attractions to experience while visiting the park.

A. Visitor Center
Discover in-depth heritage stories from Roanoke Island.

B. Freedmen's Colony Monument
Commemorate freedom for formerly enslaved people.

C. 1896 Monument
Find out about the start of on-site preservation efforts.

D. Earthwork
Explore the restored earthwork related to the 1585 expedition.

E. Thomas Hariot Trail
Walk the 0.3-mile loop thorugh the island's maritime forest.

F. Theatre Box Office
Purchase tickets for The Lost Colony drama (summer).

G. Waterside Theatre
View the home of The Lost Colony drama (summer).

H. The Elizabethan Gardens
Wander through 10 acres of 16th-century-style gardens (fee). I. Freedom Trail- Hike the 1.25-mile trail to Croatan Sound on the western edge of the park.