By the Associated Press
Manteo, November 24—A movement has been started by a group of citizens to permanently mark historic spots, and one of the places to be designated by a monument, if the plans materialize, is the birthplace of Virginia Dare, the first white child born on American soil. The spot is on Roanoke Island, often referred to as “the cradle of the English race in America.” There is some doubt as to the exact spot where Virginia Dare was born, but it is believed to be near Fort Raleigh, about three miles north of Manteo.
Mounds of earth forming the sides of a pentagon, at each angle of which is a stone post protruding about a foot above the ground, show the location of the old fort. In the center of the fort there is now an unpretentious stone marker on which is inscribed some of the historical records of the place. Unscrupulous relic collectors have marred the present stone marker, but its inscription still can be read.
The county of which Roanoke island is a part is named Dare, in honor of the first English child born in America, and the seat of the county is named Manteo in honor of the Indian chief who was the first person to be baptized in the new land. Manteo enjoys the distinction of being the only county seat in the United States, with the single exception of Key West, Florida, located on an island.
Today, the island is sparsely settled. The inhabitants make a livelihood by fishing. They do little farming. In fact, it is said that there is only one commercial farmer on the whole island, which is 12 miles long and about three miles wide.
The North Carolina State Department of Education and the State Historical Commission in order to present to the people the history of Roanoke Island in pictorial form, in 1921 had the settlement of the island enacted and photographed in 6,000 feet of motion picture film.
August 18, 1902, the first celebration in honor of the birth of Virginia Dare was held at Fort Raleigh. Since then the celebrations have been repeated from time to time. It is said that at these occasions only has the flag of Queen Elizabeth—a red cross on a field of white—been displayed.
From the front page of The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City, N.C., Nov. 24, 1923
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