Welcome to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
About Fort Raleigh National Historic Site:
On these small wooded grounds lie many stories of families and their struggles that have continued through time, resulting in the creation of a nation and its people. American Indians called these islands home for generations, and their culture, as well as their interaction with English colonists who attempted a colony here is an integral part of the island’s history.
In later years, Roanoke Island proved to be an important place during the Civil War. Following skirmishes early in the war, a Freedmen’s Colony was established to offer a new start to freed slaves. Roanoke Island was also the home to scientific innovation. Early 20th century, radio pioneer Reginald Fessenden conducted many of his experiments with voice broadcasting here.
The American traditions of sacrifice, inventiveness, and courage in the face of great adversity was defined by the actions on these grounds and continues to thrive in our national spirit. Visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site for a visit into our past and a glimpse of our future.
Must Dos:
Start at the Visitor Center
The temporary visitor center is the place to begin your visit to Fort Raleigh NHS. Rangers can provide guidance to the site and things to do nearby. Information panels and a bookstore are also available. In the summer, park rangers offer daily interpretive programs and activities. Free
Visit the Earthen Fort
Earthenworks restored on the site are associated with archeological evidence of England's colonization efforts sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh from 1584 to 1590. Archeologists have found evidence of metallurgical activity from the 1585 exploration expedition in the area. Free
Go for a Walk
Take a walk to experience the natural environment of Roanoke Island. The quarter-mile Thomas Hariot Nature Trail begins near the restored fort and passes through maritime forest to a view of Roanoke Sound. The 1.25-mile (one way) Freedom Trail begins near The Elizabethan Gardens and travels through the park to a soundside beach on the island's western side. Free
Scheduled Activities & Programs:
1585-86: The Exploration Expedition (30min.) • Free
During this expedition, English explorers established an outpost on Roanoke Island and remained for eleven months . . . More Info
1587: The Colony (30min.) • Free
Men, women and children leave England for the New World to begin a new way of life. Instead of the Chesapeake Bay, the . . . More Info
Family Activity: Life in the Roanoke Tribe (45min.) • Free
This activity will offer remembrance of the Native People of Roanoke Island. Leave with something tangible from the . . . More Info
Family Activity: Roanoke Explorers (45min.) • Free
This activity will link us to people who have lived on Roanoke Island. Re-live history of the English explorers and . . . More Info
Roanoke Island History: The Freedmen (30min.) • Free
Learn about another type of colony established on Roanoke Island during the Civil War, which offered the promise of a . . . More Info
Photo Gallery:
