Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

National Historic Site · NC · nps.gov page

An earthworks covered in reddish-green grass about 4 feet high in a star pattern — The Fort Raleigh earthworks is one of the remnants of the English attempts at a colony on Roanoke IslandPhoto: Kurt Moses/NPS

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.

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News

Operational Updates for Oct. 19 at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial 2026-10-18
On Oct. 19 at 9 a.m., Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will reopen to the public. A number of facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will also reopen.
National Park Service Announces Weather-Related Closures at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial 2026-10-17
Due to forecasted strong winds and coastal impacts, the campgrounds, off-road vehicle ramps and visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, will close by 12 p.m. on Oct. 17. Reopening will begin after conditions improve and post-storm assessments are complete.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Seeks Public Help with Identifying Suspect in Recent Alleged Crime 2026-06-17
Law enforcement rangers at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are seeking the public’s assistance for information regarding a recent investigation of an alleged theft of personal items that occurred within the park on June 6.

Photos

A black stone monument with the words "First Light of Freedom and an etched painting of many people — Commemorating the Roanoke Island Freedmen's ColonyPhoto: Kurt Moses/NPS Photo

An outdoor theater on the shoreline with green stadium seats, sand stage, and wooden facade — The Waterside Theater has been home to the Lost Colony Drama since 1937Photo: Kurt Moses/NPS

A stretch of sandy beach with trees near the shoreline and a building in the distance on the shore — Fort Raleigh has several beach areas on the north end of Roanoke IslandPhoto: Edwige Moses/NPS

A trail through a forested area with pine straw covering the trail — Fort Raleigh has two trails to explore, both offering forested sights and shoreline viewsPhoto: Edwige Moses/NPS

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.