SAINT CROIX ISLAND INTERNATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

This island located in the State of Maine at the mouth of the St. Croix River, which serves as a border with neighbouring Canada, is part of Acadian history; it is said to be the first territory colonized by the French in North America, and thus the birthplace of Acadia. Pierre Duga, Sieur de Mons, acting under the authority of the King of France, took possession of this piece of land in 1604. Samuel de Champlain was part of the expedition. But the winter was harsh, and part of the expedition died because of an epidemic of scurvy. The French decided to break camp and found Port Royal (in present-day Nova Scotia) in 1605, before venturing further down the St. Lawrence River to found Quebec City (1608).

After their departure from St. Croix Island, the Mi'kmaq Membertou settled there in 1607. Six years later, in 1613, British Captain Samuel Argall from Virginia attacked the Acadian colonies - including Port Royal - expelled the last Frenchmen from the coast and razed the last houses on St. Croix. The border separating the United States from Canada was determined between 1783 and 1797. Because of its importance to Acadians and Americans, the island was declared an international historic site in 1984.

Unfortunately, the island itself is not accessible. To immerse yourself in its history, you will have to visit the interpretation centre in the park.