Indians of the North Carolina Coast

Many small Native American groups lived on the coast of North Carolina. Over the years, some of the tribes became a part of other groups, and the names even changed, so information may seem uncertain or confusing.

These Indians belonged to the Algonquin language group. Some of the tribes in the Manteo area were the Roanoke, Hatteras, Mattamuskeet, Machapunga, and Croatan. You may remember the famed Lost Colony had carved "Croatan" on a tree before they disappeared, and it's always been a mystery as to exactly what that meant.

All of the groups fished, hunted, and gathered, and the Atlantic Ocean furnished many of their needs. Most of them also cultivated crops. They lived in huts or longhouses. All of the tribes lived on the mainland and visited the Outer Banks from time to time, except the Croatan. They were the only group to make their homes on the island.

Life was more difficult, because the different groups often warred against each other. Of course, the events that changed their lives the most came with the white man. You can learn more of these groups and how they lived at places like Roanoke Festival Park.

Roanoke Festival Park
1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC
252-475-1500
FestivalParkInformation@ncdcr.gov

Open March 1 - December 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed holidays)

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