Fort Raleigh National Historic Site - National Park Service
Fort Raleigh
National Historic Site
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site - National Park Service

The first English attempts at colonization in the New World (1585-1587) are commemorated here. These efforts, sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, ended with the disappearance of 116 men, women and children (including two that were born in the New World). The fate of this "lost colony" remains a mystery to this day. The Park was created in 1941, and enlarged in 1990 by Public Law 101-603 to include the preservation of Native American Culture, the American Civil War, the Freedman's Colony and the activities of radio pioneer, Reginald Fessenden. The site also is home to the outdoor symphonic drama, "THE LOST COLONY", performed since 1937. The national historic site is 513 acres in size.

Visit our Main Page to view our brochure and to learn more about the cultural resources preserved at the site. A Children's Page, Heritage Education Package and Management Documents are available as well.

VISITATION:
Highest in May, July and August; lowest in January.

1998 Annual Visitation359,272
1997 Annual Visitation356,321
1996 Annual Visitation309,692
1995 Annual Visitation290,018

LOCATION:
Roanoke Island, NC

ADDRESS:
FORT RALEIGH NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
OUTER BANKS NPS GROUP
Route 1, Box 675
Manteo, NC 27954

TELEPHONE:
(252) 473-5772 (VISITOR CENTER)
(252) 473-2111 (Group Headquarters)

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Summer: Sunday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Winter: daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Mild winters, hot and humid summers. Wind can be strong throughout the year and inclement weather can occur with little notice. Insect repellent recommended if attending the outdoor drama.

DIRECTIONS:
Fort Raleigh NHS is on Roanoke Island, and is located off US 64-264, three miles north of Manteo, NC. The site is 92 miles southeast of Norfolk, VA and 197 miles east of Raleigh, NC.

TRANSPORTATION:
Personal vehicle, taxis. Dare County Regional Airport is three miles south of the site off US 64-264.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:
No admission fees to the historic site. There are separate fees for "THE LOST COLONY" drama and THE ELIZABETHAN GARDENS.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center, Exhibits:
The Lindsay Warren Visitor Center houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the English expeditions and colonies, and the "THE LOST COLONY" on Roanoke Island; a 17-minute introductory video; exhibits on the Civil War and Freeman's colony; and a gift shop operated by Roanoke Island Historical Association.

Trails, Roads:
Site is a short distance off the Roanoke Island bike trail that parallels US 64-264. Site includes two trails: The Thomas Hariot Nature Trail (1/4 mi. loop trail), and the FREEDOM TRAIL from the site to the north end of Roanoke Island (approx. one mi.)

Programs/Activities:
Seventeen-minute video shown in visitor center year-round. Other programs vary throughout the year. For up-to-date information, call (252) 473-5772.

Lodging and camping facilities:
None in the Park. Lodging and camping facilities located in Manteo and adjacent communities and on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Food/Supplies:
None in the Park — nearest availability in nearby Manteo, NC.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
The visitor center houses a small sales area managed by Eastern National Bookstore, and a gift shop maintained by Roanoke Island Historical Association (which produces "THE LOST COLONY" drama).

Accessibility:
The visitor center, the historic tour trail, the Waterside Theater and restrooms are accessible. A wheelchair is available at the visitor center during operational hours.

Special Needs:
Bus parking available at the visitor center and at Waterside Theater.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Viewing the exhibits and video at the visitor center; walking to the restored earthen fort; walking the Nature Trail, attending special programs by NPS and RIHA.

For information on archeology, visit SEAC

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for school groups or other organized tour groups are not accepted. However, groups are highly encouraged to notify the site (preferably by telephone) to obtain information that will lead to a more productive visit, due to limited space in the visitor center auditorium.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Plan to spend one to two hours at the site to view the exhibits and video and tour the grounds. Evening productions of "THE LOST COLONY" drama run two and one-half hours.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
"THE LOST COLONY" drama is performed nightly (except Saturday) from early-June to late-August. Call (252) 473-3414 or (800) 488-5012 for ticket information.

Each August 18, the Park and "THE LOST COLONY" drama commemorate the birthday of Virginia Dare, the first child born to English parents in the New World. She was born on Roanoke Island on August 18, 1587. Contact the Park for more information.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Elizabethan Gardens (maintained by Garden Clubs of North Carolina) adjacent to the site. NC State Aquarium located three miles from the site off US 64-264. Elizabeth II State Historic Site and Roanoke Island Festival Park are located in Manteo. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Jockeys Ridge State Park, and Wright Brothers National Memorial all within a one-half hour drive of Fort Raleigh.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write to the Park c/o Outer Banks NPS Group, Route 1, Box 675, Manteo NC 27954, or call (252) 473-5772.

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