Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
The ruins of a 17th-century French settlement sit on Saint Croix Island in eastern Maine, a reminder of a time when France was seeking to establish claim on a large swath of North America.
Guide Sections
Use Saint Croix Island International Historic Site's guide sections to understand how this stop fits into the larger park plan.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site Details
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The ruins of a 17th-century French settlement sit on Saint Croix Island in eastern Maine, a reminder of a time when France was seeking to establish claim on a large swath of North America. Founded by explorer Pierre Dugas, Sieur de Mons, the ill-fated community was abandoned in 1605 after a deadly winter that killed nearly half of Dugas' men. However, one of the survivors, Samuel Champlain, went on to found the city of Quebec three years later. Visitors cannot actually visit the 6.5-acre island, which is kept off-limits to protect its fragile environment, but it can be viewed from a mainland park in Calais, Maine as well as a Parks Canada site in nearby Bayside, New Brunswick, across the St. Croix River. Facilities: Picnic Area, Parking, Group Picnic Shelter, Restrooms, Hand-carry Boat Launch
