Driving twenty-one miles from our last tourist stop in Kitty Hawk, we entered the 16th century at Fort Raleigh National Historical Park.
It was here that Sir Walter Raleigh brought the first English colony to America in 1585 in the name of Queen Elizabeth I of England.
MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Although this room was never seen in Roanoke until the 1960s, Fort Raleigh National Historical Park purchased these walls and ceiling of a 16th century English estate from William Randolph Hearst of California (where my hubby wants to take me next).
Why? Because this rich room was typical of the estates that Sir Walter Raleigh and his investors who financed the colonists’ expedition.
While Sir Walter Raleigh’s portrait is on the far right, the left three sketches of flora and fauna were done by Governor John White while on Roanoke Island.
Queen Elizabeth I on the far left, with more of Governor John White’s sketches of flora and fauna of Roanoke Island.
The map on the wall is 16th century.
Scene of English life that the colonists left…
…to board their ship to the New World.
Granted by Sir Walter Raleigh, these coats-of-arms were for the leaders of the Roanoke Colony.
THE LOST COLONY PLAY
Since1937, The Lost Colony play has been in constant production, telling the tale of the original colony that once lived here.
While based on historical fact, some details have been omitted or altered for the purpose of dramatic narrative. –The Lost Colony
Wanting to capture a great pic of the stage against the waters that lead to the Atlantic Ocean, we walked over to the theater, but it was closed for rehearsal…but we could hear them practicing.
One of the earlier cast members included Andy Griffith, who began as a soldier…
…eventually becoming Sir Walter Raleigh from 1959 to 1953.
Living near the theater, Andy Griffith proclaimed that his home of Manteo (on Roanoke Island) was the real Mayberry.
Stay tuned for amazing details of the Roanoke Colony and Andy Griffith…since I now have books on each!
