Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
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.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is best reached by private vehicle. The site is located 8 miles (13 km) south of Calais, Maine, on US Route 1, and can be reached either by Route 9 from Bangor or US Route 1, the coastal route from Portland and points south. From US Route 1, turn onto St. Croix Drive. The entrance gate is on the right. The visitor center is inside the ranger station.
- Paddling
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Animals
- Birds
- Climate Change
Saint Croix Island Entrance
View of the drive into Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.
Interpretive Trail
An interpretive trail guides visitors through the history of the island and the people who called it home.
Bronze Sculpture
The Passamaquoddy's assistance kept the French explorers alive.
Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons
Pierre Dugua and his men spent a dealthy winter on Saint Croix Island.
Visitors reading a wayside along the trail
As you walk along the trail waysides provide more information about surviving that deadly winter of 1604-05.