

Recontructing the earthworks fort.
Though the earth comprising the remnants of the fort had eroded and settled to just above the ground level, area residents were referring to the earthworks as "Fort Raleigh" by the late 1800s. Named a National Historic Site in 1941, Fort Raleigh was explored archaeologically and the earthen fort restored in the early 1950's. Prior to that, various log structures had been built as tourist attractions which were not authentic reconstructions.

The fort, which originally commanded a good view of the sound, was reconstructed in the same way it was built in 1585.
The fort is the only structure whose site has been located exactly. After intensive archeological studies and excavations from 1936 to 1948, National Park Service archeologists had found enough evidence of the original moat to justify reconstruction in 1950. Among the many artifacts recovered during the excavation were a wrought iron sickle, an Indian pipe and metal counters used in accounting. The fort, which originally commanded a good view of the sound, was reconstructed in the same way it was built in 1585. Some of the recovered artifacts are on display in the park's visitor center.

Visitor Center.
For more information: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
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