St. Croix Island International Historical Site, Maine

The St. Croix International Historical Site celebrates one of the earliest colonization attempts by the French in North America. In 1604, a small group of French explorers landed on St. Croix Island, which lies in the St. Croix channel between Maine and New Brunswick, attempting to create a permanent settlement. However, due to harsh winter conditions, sickness, and a lack of fresh water source on the island, the settlement was abandoned in the Spring of 1605, and the survivors relocated to Port Royal on the Bay of Fundy. Still, the site is celebrated as one of the first “successful” settlements by Europeans in North America and also serves to commemorate cooperation between the Passamaquody natives and Europeans.

Today the island is not accessible to the public but the historical site, located on the Maine side, overlooks it across the beautiful bay. The visitor center here is quite good as is the small interpretive trail which includes seven sculptures commemorating the settlers and the natives. Its well worth the stop.