Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Part of the ditch and wall of the earthwork
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.
Map showing location of park.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial Closures and Delayed Openings Due to Hurricane Erin
The National Park Service will delay opening Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial until 12pm on August 21, 2025 due to expected impacts from Hurricane Erin. The Bodie Island Lighthouse will remain closed on August 21st, and will reopen once post-storm assessments are complete. All other facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) remain closed until further notice.
Photo showing multiple trees collapsed into water along shoreline.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site announces public comment period for plan to stabilize its shoreline
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site invites public review and comments on a draft environmental assessment (EA) for a plan to stabilize its shoreline. The draft EA is open for public comment from July 21 through August 20, 2025.
Back of the monument commemorating the Roanoke Island Freedmen's Colony
Photo by NPS Photo
Tree standing next to the maritime forest path of the Thomas Hariot Trail
Photo by NPS Photo
Pieces of a crucible left behind by the 1585 English expedition
Photo by NPS Photo
Stage of the Waterside Theatre with a view of the Roanoke Sound in the background
Photo by NPS Photo