Fort Raleigh National Historical Site - Manteo, NC - History and Heritage

Roanoke Islands was the home to the first group of colonists in North America and their story and heritage is preserved for all to enjoy at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo, NC. Sir Walter Raleigh sponsored these first colonists and the restoration of the Earthen Fort that they created is still found on this historic site for you to see and enjoy. In addition to this historical site, there is also a nature trail, a hiking trail, and a visitor's center that you can visit to allow you to learn more about this area and the way that the early colonist's lived in the late 1500's.

When you enter the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, you want to be sure that your first stop is at the Lindsay Warren Visitor's Center. This center offers you a 10-minute orientation film that will allow you to learn more about the history of the site. The museum that is in the center will give you more information about the site as well to help to enhance your visit and make it more meaningful.

The Earthen Fort restoration is one of the most popular parts of the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. This fort was used to protect the colonists from the Spanish attack that they expected and it can offer a great history lesson for you and your entire family. The settlement was not inside the fort as expected. Instead you would have found the thatched roofed homes somewhere outside of the fort.

The Nature Trail or Thomas Harriot Trail is a gently winding trail that moves a half-mile from the fort to the Roanoke Sound. The trail is marked to allow you to see native plants that the colonists may have come into contact with and used while they lived on Roanoke Island to allow you to understand more about the area.

The Freedom Trail is a longer trail that is perfect for a hike with your family. This trail gives a small glimpse into the life of the Algonquin Indians and helps you to understand more about the role of Roanoke Island during the time of the Civil War. At the end of the trail, you also learn how Roanoke Island became an island of freedom for escaped slaves. This trail is a great hike for anyone, no matter what their physical condition, because it is short in nature.

The Waterside Theater that offers a drama during the summer nights from the middle part of June to the middle part of August. This outdoor symphonic drama, The Lost Colony, allows you to learn more about the trials and tribulations of the colonists that were left on Roanoke Island. Tickets cost anywhere from $10 to $22 per person, depending upon the age of the person and the seats that you want, but admission to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is free.

The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site makes a great day trip if you are in the area. Whether you just want to visit the visitor's center, the fort, and walk the trails, or you want to enjoy the drama, you will be able to make the day into what you want simply and easily.