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

The Freedom Trail

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

The Freedom Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2025

1. The Freedom Trail Marker

Inscription. The Freedmen's Colony was present on Roanoke Island from 1862 - 1867. During its peak, it was home to over 3,500 men, women, and children, all of whom came to the island in search of freedom and a better life. The story of the colony is filled with both hardships and triumphs, and highlights the struggles faced by freed peoples throughout the nation. As you walk the trail, you will have the opportunity to learn about the people and the elements that make up the story of the 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 1862.

Location. 35° 56.207′ N, 75° 42.704′ W. Marker is in Manteo, North Carolina, in Dare County. It is on National Park Drive west of Pear Pad Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo NC 27954, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal

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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: The Elizabethan Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Elizabethan Garden (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Civil War Refuge (about 700 feet away); A Legacy of Freedom (about 700 feet away); First Light of Freedom (about 700 feet away); Join the Exploration Party (approx. 0.2 miles away); The New Fort in Virginia / Virginia Dare (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manteo.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2025

2. The Freedom Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 376 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.