Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

The National Park Service preserves Saint Croix Island International Historic site as a monument to the beginning of the United States and Canada. In 1604, Pierre Dugua Sieur de Mons, accompanied by Samuel Champlain and 77 other men, established a settlement on St. Croix Island. Preceding Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth(1620), Sieur de Mons' outpost was one of the earliest European settlements on the North Atlantic coast of North America. More specifically, it was the first attempt by the French at year-round colonization in the territory they called La Cadie or l'Acadie (Acadia). The settlement was short-lived, however, and in the summer of 1605, the French moved to a more favorable location where they established the Port Royal Habitation on the shores of the present-day Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia.

The experience of the French on St. Croix Island taught them much about the "New World" environment and about interacting with the native peoples. From St. Croix Island, Samuel Champlain explored and charted the coast of Norembegue (Norumbega), including the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic coast as far south as Cape Cod. The valuable insights gained from both the St. Croix settlement and further exploration formed the foundation for a more successful settlement at Port Royal, and an enduring French presence in North American continuing to the present day.

c/o Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0177
(207) 288-3338 - Visitor Information
(207) 288-3338 - Visitor Information
(207) 288-3338 - Headquarters
(207) 288-3338 - Headquarters

By Plane
There are airports with air service at Bangor, Maine, or Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.

By Car
The historic site is on U.S. Route 1 six miles south of Calais, Maine, and can be reached either by Route 9 from Bangor or U.S. Route 1, the coastal route from Portland and points south.

Getting Around
The international historic site is best reached by private vehicle. The only visitor access to the island is by privately owned boats.

Halfway between the equator and the pole, the site is exposed to weather conditions typical of the Eastern Maine coast. In summer an onshore breeze often makes the area seem cooler than a temperature reading in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit) might indicate. It is best to dress on the warm side of typical seasonal wear.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Boating
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching

Recommended Activities
The site is focused on establishing a quiet atmosphere of respect meant to promote
contemplation of the heroism and suffering of the French colonists in 1604(e2)(80)(933035). A short walk to the interpretive shelter looking onto the estuary and St. Croix Island is recommended. On the Canadian side of the St. Croix River, opposite the Island, a Parks Canada summer exhibit is recommended.