Settlement Site

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Tour the Settlement Site 

Follow the sound of the blacksmith’s hammer to the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Through the undergrowth and across generations emerges the first English settlement on North American soil. The exhibit features costumed interpreters from the Roanoke Voyage of 1585. They show visitors what daily life was like for the soldiers and sailors who traversed the Atlantic Ocean to build a permanent colony for England.

Today, guests of all ages try traditional woodworking, play Elizabethan games, or watch the blacksmith fashion his iron wares. Search the canvas tents for goods and supplies, try on armor, and practice an English accent with some of the settlers. In the summer, the Settlement Site offers shade under various wild trees and vegetation native to the North Carolina coast. During the cooler months, the soldiers’ campfire warms visitors. Take a photo with a friendly soldier or next to the flag of St. George and remember your trip back in time to the first English military settlement on Roanoke Island.

Highlights Video

Exhibits and Activities

Carpentry

Historic interpreter teaching boy to use the bow lathe in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

 

Blacksmith's Shop

Blacksmith at work in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Elizabethan Games

Kids playing Elizabethan games with a historic interpreter in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Test Out the Pillory

Women trying out the pillory with a historic interpreter in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Meet the Settlers

Toddler talking to a historic interpreter in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

 

Live Like a Soldier

Girl dressed up as a solider in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

Campground

Campsite in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

 

Woodworking

Historic interpreter teaches students how to use the shaving horse in the Settlement Site at Roanoke Island Festival Park

"My kids enjoyed the settlement exhibit the best. The blacksmith was amazing and very good with kids and the other gentleman with the wood working tools really let my kids get into it. He even let my son Logan do a demonstration for a group of people! Really enjoyed our visit!" - Lora W. from Austintown, OH