Everyone knows the story of the Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in what’s now the United States. They disappeared mysteriously one day, and many people wondered if there was a supernatural explanation. Today, most people accept the theory that the struggling colonists were likely absorbed into the local indigenous tribes. Incredibly, the supposed “lost colony” has now been recreated near the town of Manteo. Not only can you explore museums and exhibits exploring the history of this mysterious chapter, but you can visit impressive North Carolina earthworks that bear traces of the original structures that stood here back in the 1500s.
Did the so-called “lost colony” disappear into thin air? We know more than most people think, and it comes to life at Fort Raleigh National Historical Site.
William Ludwell Shepherd/Wikipedia
At a recreation of the fort, you can see stage performances, bringing some of the events of the era to life.
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The Elizabethan Gardens are a beautiful refuge in the park, far away from the bustle of the more popular sites.
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However, what everyone is really here for is the history - and in the 1950s, much of this site was recreated from the base of the original earthworks.
Historic American Buildings Survey/Wikipedia
Those earthworks still exist today in the form of massive mounds around the site - some very fragile.
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The central fort can be seen in the form of a rim of earthworks surrounding a grassy depression.
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Access is carefully controlled, but when you stand in the middle of this almost half-millennia-old site, you can feel the history surrounding you.
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If you want to learn more, head to the attached visitor’s center and museum, where you can see relics from the colony and indigenous artifacts found in the area.
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You can even find recreations of the original ships that brought the colonists to these shores.
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When you’re done exploring, head to the banks of Roanoke Sound for a relaxing day on the same shores that the ships visited centuries ago.
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Have you been to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site? Let us know your thoughts on the museum, shows, and those impressive North Carolina earthworks in the comments section. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to drop by the official site for more details. If you’re looking to explore the natural wonders of the Tar Heel State, consider a trip to this gorgeous lake.
William Ludwell Shepherd/Wikipedia
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Captain-tucker/Wikipedia
Historic American Buildings Survey/Wikipedia
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Address: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, 1401 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954, USA
