Beauty blooms, mysteries unfurl, and the past speaks
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. Here, the first infant cries of English colonization in the New World (1584-1590) burst upon the world. 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 one of the world’s great mysteries. It is the home of The Lost Colony.
This site also celebrates the preservation of Native American culture and was the location of an important Freedmen’s Colony during the Civil War era. One of the early radio pioneers, Reginald Fessenden, conducted many of his experiments here.
The American tradition 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.
Things to Do
Archaeology dig May 24, 2008 shot for First Colony Foundation
Visitor Center…17 minute orientation film is shown every half hour. A large exhibit area featuring a rotating schedule of exhibits currently has artifacts found on the grounds during recent archaeology digs. The Elizabethan room is perhaps the most fascinating artifact here. Brought to the US by none other than William Randolph Hearst, the room is a preserved wood paneled room from the Elizabethan era. The Visitors center also offers restrooms, a gift shop and interpretive information about the Freedman’s Colony which stood near here following the Civil War.
Nature Trail…The Thomas Hariot Nature Trail offers a 20-minute pocket wilderness experience of the island’s natural setting. Wayside signs on the trail relate what English explorers observed of the natural resources and the commodities that could be made from them.
Freedom Trail…The Freedom Trail leads 1¼ miles from the nearby Elizabethan Gardens through the park land to the island’s western edge, offering a view-shed that the native Algonquians enjoyed from their island home.
The National Park Service
The National Park Service has an extensive website with schedules, contact information and educational materials about the park that The Lost Colony calls home. Visit them here!
Archaeology Projects in the Park
Since 2004 The First Colony foundation has been using archeology and historical research to find the lost colony. We think it’s pretty cool. We think you will too. Visit them here!
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