Park Ranger

A National Park Service Ranger will share the story of Saint Croix Island International Historic Site, a monument to the beginning of the United States and Canada.

In 1604 Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, accompanied by Samuel Champlain and 77 others, established on Saint Croix Island one of the earliest European settlements on the North Atlantic coast, preceding Jamestown (1607) and Plymouth (1620). From here, Champlain explored and charted the coast as far south as Cape Cod.

The insights gained from the Saint Croix settlement and from further exploration formed the foundation for a more successful settlement at Port Royal and for an enduring French presence in North America that continues to the present day.

While the focus of this session is local history, birding facts from this earliest settlement will also be shared.

Meet at the Saint Croix Island International Historical Site Visitor Center. From Calais drive 8 miles south on US 1 and turn left at the IHS sign. From Whiting drive 32.3 miles north on US 1 and turn right at the HIS sign; this is 3.8 miles after you pass Robbinston. Restrooms are available.