The National Park Service preserves Saint Croix Island International Historic site as a monument to the beginning of the United States and Canada. It was here that Pierre Dugua Sieur de Mons with his company of men established a French settlement in 1604-05. In cooperation with Parks Canada, the National Park Service educates the public about that heroic effort, its context, and its consequences.
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 America continuing to the present day.
For more information, visit the Maine Acadian Culture site.
In recognition of its important historical significance to both the United States and Canada, St. Croix Island is the only international historic site (IHS) designated in the U.S. National Park System. The National Park Service site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Parks Canada maintains a component of the international historic site on the New Brunswick shore of the St. Croix River.
Visitation
The NPS estimates that 12–15,000 people visit the site annually.
Location
Red Beach, a village of Calais, Maine, on the shore of the St. Croix River estuary. St. Croix Island itself lies west of the international border between the United States and Canada. Weather permitting, St. Croix Island can be seen from the interpretive shelter on the mainland.
Address
Superintendent
Saint Croix Island IHS
c/o Acadia National Park
P.O. Box 177
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609-0177
Telephone
(207)288-3338 voice/TDD
Operating Hours, Seasons
Dawn to dusk
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Halfway between the equator and the pole, the site is exposed to weather conditions typical of the Eastern Maine coast. In summer an on shsore 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.
Directions
On U.S. Route 1 six miles south of Calais, Maine, reached either by Route 9 from Bangor or U.S. Route 1, the coastal route from Portland and points south.
Transportation
The international historic site is best reached by private vehicle. St. Croix Island is not on the Island Trail.
Fees, Cost, Rates
There is no charge for using the site.
Facilities and Opportunities
Open shelter with interpretive panel, picnic tables, and accessible vault toilet. Drinking water is not available. Water transport to St. Croix Island is not provided. Food and supplies are available in nearby Calais. The site is staffed by a seasonal Park Service maintenance employee during the summer months.
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 1604–05. A short walk to the interpretive shelter looking onto the estuary and St. Croix Island is recommended.
Reservations/Permits
Fires are not allowed. No permits or reservations are required for use by individuals.
Basic Visit Recommendations
Ten to thirty minutes.
Special Events Programs
The 400th anniversary of the 1604–05 settlement will be commemorated in the summer of 2004.
Visitor Impacts
Vehicle engines should be turned off. All trash should be put in the trash cans provided or taken off site.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Parks Canada St. Croix Island IHS exhibit at Bayside, New Brunswick on route 127 between St. Stephen and St. Andrews;
Roosevelt Campobello International Park 50 miles south; Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge near Calais. For more information visit other
Parks Canada sites.
Last Updated:12/16/98
http://www.nps.gov/sacr/index.htm
