Manteo in Dare County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

A Legacy of Freedom

— Fort Raleigh National Historic Site —

Photographed by Sean C Bath, July 18, 2023

1. A Legacy of Freedom Marker

Inscription. Despite dissolving only five years after the first individuals arrived, the Roanoke Freedmen's Colony was one of the first steps in a long struggle for racial equality in the United States. Community members fought for their freedom through enlistment in the military, a strong emphasis on education and literacy, and a continued contribution to the culture and traditions of the Outer Banks. Today, descendants of the colony keep the memories of their ancestors alive through their avid participation in the community and interpretation of the histories of Roanoke's forgotten colonists.

How to Keep a Memory Alive
Although less than 200 years old, the Freedman's colony left few physical remains. Today, we rely on oral and written histories, as well as sources from other Freedmen establishments to imagine what this colony may have looked like.

Artwork, such as the painting to the left by Mona Currie which depicts a family reuniting on island soil, is produced by enthusiasts eager to help visually represent the accomplishments of this pioneering community.

(captions)
Wood engraving titled Emancipation Day in South Carolina, depicting volunteers of the 1st South Carolina Colored Regiment addressing a crowd.

1863 poster calling Roanoke men to arms in the Union Naval Service.

Photograph

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of the all Black Pea Island Life Saving Station crew, captained by Richard Etheridge, (far left) a resident of the Roanoke Freedmen's Colony.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 35° 56.212′ N, 75° 42.56′ W. Marker is in Manteo, North Carolina, in Dare County. It can be reached from Fort Raleigh Road 0.3 miles north of U.S. 64. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 Fort Raleigh Rd, Manteo NC 27954, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Outer Banks.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Civil War Refuge (here, next to this marker); First Light of Freedom (here, next to this marker); The New Fort in Virginia / Virginia Dare (within shouting distance of this marker); Exploring the Unknown (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (about 500 feet away); English Explorers' Earthwork (about 500 feet away); Reconstructed Past (about 500 feet away); Join the Exploration Party (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manteo.

Also see . . . Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

A Legacy of Freedom Marker in Context image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean C Bath, July 18, 2023

2. A Legacy of Freedom Marker in Context

National Park Service (Submitted on October 2, 2023.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2023, by Sean C Bath of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 506 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2023, by Sean C Bath of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.