Appledore Island, Maine Weather Cams
Appledore Island Cam
Appledore Island: A Storied Past Amidst the Isles of Shoals
Appledore Island, Maine Weather Cams. Nestled among the Isles of Shoals, Appledore Island is the largest of the nine islands that dot the waters off the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. With a history stretching back centuries, the island has been home to Native American communities, colonial settlers, artists, and scientists. Today, it remains a site of ecological and historical significance.
Early Inhabitants and Colonial Settlement
Before European settlers arrived, Appledore Island was frequented by coastal Native American tribes who relied on the rich marine resources surrounding the island. The first European settlers arrived in the colonial era, drawn by the island’s accessibility and fertile land. By 1640, a church had been established, marking the beginning of a permanent settlement.
However, near the turn of the 18th century, the island’s settlers relocated to nearby Star Island in New Hampshire to escape taxes imposed by Massachusetts, which governed Maine at the time. This migration left Appledore largely uninhabited for a time.
The Rise and Fall of Appledore House
In the mid-19th century, Appledore Island experienced a resurgence when Thomas Laighton, a former lighthouse keeper, purchased much of the island and established the Appledore House resort in 1848. The hotel became a popular retreat for artists, writers, and musicians, including Celia Thaxter, Laighton’s daughter, who played a pivotal role in fostering an artistic community on the island.
Thaxter’s salon attracted luminaries such as composer John Knowles Paine, pianist William Mason, and painter Childe Hassam, who famously depicted Thaxter’s garden in his artwork. The island thrived as a cultural hub until tragedy struck in 1914 when a fire destroyed the hotel, effectively ending its golden era.
Scientific Exploration and Military Presence
In 1928, Appledore Island became home to a marine zoological laboratory, offering undergraduate programs in marine science. The lab flourished until World War II, when the U.S. government took control of the island and constructed a 50-foot concrete observation tower for anti-aircraft intelligence. After the war, the island fell into a period of neglect and vandalism.
By the late 1960s, efforts were underway to revitalize Appledore Island as a center for scientific research. The Shoals Marine Laboratory was founded in 1966 as a partnership between Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire. Since then, the island has been a hub for marine biology research, sustainability initiatives, and educational programs.
Geology and Natural Features
Appledore Island’s rugged landscape is shaped by a series of geological events, including the formation of the Rye Complex, Acadian orogeny, and glaciation. The island’s metamorphic rock formations, glacial scarps, and evidence of abrasion tell the story of its ancient past.
The island’s highest elevation reaches approximately 80 feet above sea level, and its whaleback shape is a result of glacial plucking. Today, Appledore’s rocky shores and diverse marine ecosystem make it an ideal location for scientific study.
Modern-Day Appledore Island
Today, Appledore Island is primarily owned by the Star Island Corporation and remains largely undeveloped, aside from the Shoals Marine Laboratory and a few private residences. The lab continues to offer educational programs and research opportunities, attracting students and scientists from around the world.
Sustainability efforts have been a key focus in recent years, with the installation of wind turbines and solar panels to reduce the island’s environmental footprint. These initiatives ensure that Appledore remains a thriving center for ecological research while preserving its natural beauty.
Conclusion
From its early days as a Native American hunting ground to its time as a colonial settlement, artistic retreat, and scientific research hub, Appledore Island has undergone remarkable transformations. Though its heyday as a cultural center ended with the fire of 1914, the island continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and discovery. Whether through the lens of history, art, or science, Appledore Island remains an enduring testament to the rich heritage of the Isles of Shoals.
For more information, visit the Appledore Island, Maine official website.