Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

International Historic Site · ME · nps.gov page

View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.
View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.Photo: NPS Photo

The winter of 1604-1605 on Saint Croix Island was a cruel one for Pierre Dugua's French expedition. Iced in by freezing temperatures and cut off from fresh water and game, 35 of 79 men died. As spring arrived and native people traded game for bread, the health of those remaining improved. Although the expedition moved on by summer, the beginning of French presence in North America had begun.

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Photos

A wayside discussing the history of the island along the interpretive trail.
An interpretive trail guides visitors through the history of the island and the people who called it home.Photo: NPS Photo
A bronze sculpture of a Passamaquoddy person reaching out to assist the French settlers.
The Passamaquoddy's assistance kept the French explorers alive.Photo: NPS Photo
A bronze sculpture of Pierre Dugua with a reenactor standing nearby.
Pierre Dugua and his men spent a dealthy winter on Saint Croix Island.Photo: NPS Photo
Three visitors read an interpretive wayside along the trail.
As you walk along the trail waysides provide more information about surviving that deadly winter of 1604-05.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.