In early July of 1584, two ships sent by Sir Walter Raleigh to scout for locations for his proposed American colony, first laid eyes on Roanoke Island.

The north end of Roanoke Island was the site of the first English attempt to establish a permanent colony in the New World. Planned and funded by Sir Walter Raleigh, the island was first explored in 1584.

The Manteo waterfront has a very traditional small town feel. The buildings are beautifully restored and maintained, many of them of them between 60 and 120 year old.