Perhaps it is the presence of history that gives Manteo (one of the 2 distinct towns of Roanoke Island) its special atmosphere. Founded in 1899, Manteo has a feel of a much older town, with Elizabethan and Old Worlde buildings with white picket fences lining its streets. Named after Manteo, a Native American who assisted the colonists 400 years ago, the town is home to many attractions ? The Roanoke Island Festival Park, the Elizabethan Gardens, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Elizabeth II, the replica of a 16th-century sailing vessel, and North Carolina Aquarium. Manteo downtown is a destination in itself and a hub of activity, with quiant boutiques, unique galleries, old-time eateries, pubs and coffee shops lined up along the waterfront. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse was added to the list of Manteo˙s attractions in 2004. A reconstruction of the original lighthouse that stood at the entrance to Croatan Sound, it guides boats into Shallowbag Bay today.
Manteo is the cultural, commercial and governmental centre of Dare County, with all of County offices, the Dare County Regional Airport, the Dare County Health Department, the main branch of the public library and a public research library known as the Outer Banks History Centre located here. With Manteo Elementary, Middle and High Schools, a branch campus of the 2-year community College of the Albemarle and its olde world charm and a small-town atmosphere, Manteo attracts many families relocating to the area. It is primarily a year-round community, home to 1,123 residents.
