5 Fast Facts About Manteo

Located on Roanoke Island, Manteo is one of the most historically rich towns on the Outer Banks! Featuring iconic OBX activities like the North Carolina Aquarium and the Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo is full of so much to see, do, and discover! Learn a few fast facts about Manteo and make sure you take a trip on your next visit to the OBX.

1 // Manteo Is The Birthplace Of Virginia Dare

Virginia Dare was the first English child born on Roanoke Island on August 18th, 1587. Born to Ananias Dare and Eleanor White, Virginia is known as the First English Child born in the New World. She was also a part of the colony known now as The Lost Colony.

2 // It’s Also Home To The Lost Colony

The colony of 1587 is now historically known as the Lost Colony. This group of 117 men, women, and children arrived to Roanoke Island to establish a permanent English settlement. The start of the Anglo-Spanish war left the colony without replenishment of essential supplies. When ships came 3 years later to bring the much needed supplies, they found that the colony had vanished and their site had been abandoned. The mystery of the colony still remains to this day. The Lost Colony is now a play that has been running on the Outer Banks in Manteo for 81 years, making it the longest running outdoor drama in the country.

3 // The Town is Named After A Native American Chief

Manteo was a Native American Croatan Indian who was a chief of his tribe on Roanoke Island. Manteo befriended the English explorers and colonists that became known as the Lost Colony. No one knows if Manteo went with the abandoned settlement and details of his death are still unknown. The Town of Manteo was named after the chief in 1873.

4 // It’s One Of The Oldest Communities In North Carolina

image courtesy of the Outer Banks History Center

Since it’s establishment in 1873, Manteo is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. A lot of the original family names like Daniels, Etheridge, Meekins, and Tillett still remain and are prominent around Manteo and the Outer Banks.

5 // Andy Griffith used To Call Manteo Home

Star of The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock, Andy Griffith was a Manteo local until his death in 2012. Andy Griffith was a major part fo the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama for many years. In 2010, Brad Paisley filmed a music video on the OBX for his song Waitin’ On A Woman which Andy Griffith made an appearance in. Andy Griffith was born in Mount Airy, NC and died in his home on the north end of Roanoke Island on July 3, 2012. You could often see Mr. Griffith around town at the grocery store, Island Pharmacy, and Owens’ Restaurant.