Mount Desert Island, Maine Weather Cams
Southwest Harbor Cam
Northeast Harbor, Acadia National Park Cam
Trenton Bridge Lobster Cam
Mount Desert Island: A Storied Past of Exploration, Settlement, and Conservation
Mount Desert Island, Maine Weather Cams. Mount Desert Island (MDI), the largest island off the coast of Maine, has a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples, European explorers, and conservationists. From its early days as a seasonal home for the Wabanaki people to its transformation into a beloved national park, MDI has played a vital role in Maine’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Indigenous Presence and Early Exploration
For thousands of years, the Wabanaki Confederacy inhabited Mount Desert Island, calling it Pemetic, meaning “the sloping land.” They relied on the island’s abundant natural resources, fishing in its waters and hunting in its forests. Archaeological evidence suggests that Indigenous groups used the island seasonally, moving inland during the winter months.
The first European to document the island was Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer who arrived in 1604. Observing the island’s rocky peaks devoid of vegetation, he named it “Isles des Monts Déserts,” meaning “Island of Barren Mountains”. This name, though often mispronounced, remains today.
Colonial Struggles and Settlement
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Mount Desert Island was contested between the French and British. In 1613, French Jesuits attempted to establish a mission on the island, but it was destroyed by English forces under Captain Samuel Argall. The island remained largely unsettled until the British gained control of the region in 1759.
Following British victory, Governor Francis Bernard of Massachusetts received a royal land grant that included Mount Desert Island. In 1760, he encouraged settlement by offering free land to colonists. Among the first settlers were Abraham Somes and James Richardson, who established Somesville, the island’s oldest town.
The Rise of Tourism and Conservation
By the 19th century, Mount Desert Island had become a popular retreat for artists, writers, and wealthy vacationers. The island’s dramatic landscapes inspired painters from the Hudson River School, while affluent families built summer estates in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, and Seal Harbor.
Recognizing the need to preserve the island’s natural beauty, conservation efforts began in the early 20th century. In 1916, philanthropist George B. Dorr, along with Charles Eliot and John D. Rockefeller Jr., helped establish Acadia National Park, the first national park east of the Mississippi River. Rockefeller also funded the construction of carriage roads, which remain a defining feature of the park today.
Modern Mount Desert Island
Today, Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park, which attracts millions of visitors annually. The island’s towns, including Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont, offer a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The Jackson Laboratory, a world-renowned genetics research institute, is also based on the island.
Despite its popularity, MDI remains committed to conservation, balancing tourism with environmental stewardship. Efforts to protect its forests, coastline, and wildlife ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes.
Conclusion
From its Indigenous roots to its role as a conservation landmark, Mount Desert Island has undergone remarkable transformations. Whether through exploration, settlement, or environmental preservation, the island remains a testament to Maine’s enduring natural and cultural heritage.
For more information, visit the Mount Desert Island, Maine official website.