Saint Croix Island, Maine

Saint Croix Island is a small island in the Saint Croix River at the border between Maine, United States, and New Brunswick, Canada, notable as the site of a French settlement established in 1604. The settlement, associated with Pierre Dugua de Mons and Samuel de Champlain, was short-lived but historically significant.

The island is now protected as a historic site and is interpreted for visitors via displays and viewing areas on the U.S. shore near Calais, Maine; the island itself is not generally open for landing to protect archaeological remains. Interpretive materials and a monument mark the site’s history and its role in early European colonization of northeastern North America.

Geographically the island sits in the tidal Saint Croix River close to the towns of Calais, Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick, and is visible from parks and viewpoints on the riverbank.

• Early French settlement: The island marks one of the earliest French attempts at North American colonization in 1604 and is commemorated by interpretive markers and a monument.
• Access restriction: Landing on the island is restricted for preservation reasons, so the usual visitor experience is viewing from the shore or by authorized boat tour.

What to See #

• Historic island site: A small island in the Saint Croix River that was the site of a French colonial settlement led by Pierre Dugua de Mons and Samuel de Champlain in 1604.
• Viewing point: A shoreline viewing area and interpretive displays on the U.S. side allow visitors to learn about the 1604 colony and view the island from Calais, Maine and nearby parks.