Preserving the mystery - An administrative history of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Binkley, Cameron; Davis, Steven

This specific administrative history documents how Fort Raleigh National Historic Site was created and later managed by the Park Service. It discusses how NPS managers have sought to accommodate commercial and community interests while maintaining their own basic allegiance to the standards of professional scholarship and the directives of the NPS Organic Act. Within this study emphasis is placed upon the years of NPS administration, but a review of the site’s historical importance is also included. Chapter One, therefore, provides background on the Raleigh colonies and their significance. Similarly, Chapter Two reviews the settlement and development of Roanoke Island as well as early commemorative efforts undertaken by private groups and the federal government. Chapter Three details the events that led to the acquisition of the fort site as a national park, including its development as a state park, the creation of The Lost Colony theatrical production, and the NPS approval process for designating the park as a national historic site. Chapter Four addresses administrative issues at Fort Raleigh since 1941 and includes sections on park planning, development, issues related to reconstructions, land acquisitions, and boundary expansions, including major park expansions in the 1960s and 1990s. Chapter Five examines the archeological investigations undertaken at the park as well as the evolving understanding of the site’s history based on the findings of these investigations. Chapter Six addresses visitor services, especially the interpretation of the site to the public. Chapter Seven discusses the relationship between the NPS and RIHA under the cooperative agreement concerning the production of The Lost Colony. Chapter Eight reviews general preservation and protection policies, including cultural and natural resource management, collections management, law and fire protection, and erosion control efforts. The Conclusion outlines and summarizes the main findings of this administrative history. In addition, five appendices are provided: a chronology for Fort Raleigh, a section that discusses the origins of the park’s name, a list of superintendents, available annual visitation statistics, and copies of relevant federal legislation and orders. Last, a bibliography of sources for further information and an index are included.

Preserving the mystery - An administrative history of Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

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