Amongst the shallow blue waters of the Outer Banks lies Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island. Shaped by constant winds of change, Fort Raleigh has become a focal point of American history. From the first Algonquian-speaking people to the first English colonies, from formerly enslaved people starting anew to an inventor testing new radio technology, this island continues to be a place to forge new paths.

The Fort Raleigh earthworks is one of the remnants of the English attempts at a colony on Roanoke Island

Fort Raleigh Earthworks

Part of the ditch and wall of the earthwork

Reconstructed Earthwork

Commemorating the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony

First Light of Freedom

Fort Raleigh has two trails to explore, both offering forested sights and shoreline views

Fort Raleigh Trail

The Waterside Theater has been home to the Lost Colony Drama since 1937

Waterside Theater

Fort Raleigh has several beach areas on the north end of Roanoke Island

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Wright Brothers National Memorial