Description
Mount Desert Island, the largest in Maine, is also the fifty-second largest island in the United States and the second largest on the Eastern seaboard, following Long Island. The first European settlers were French traders who interacted with indigenous inhabitants as early as the fifteenth century. While these early interactions have not been written and recorded, conjecture remains that it was Samuel de Champlain who made the first excursion into the area with twelve sailors and two indigenous guides who were familiar with the region and allowed him to record and map the island. Champlain would go on to write, "Most of the summits are free of trees because they are only rocks present. I named [the island] Isle of the Desert Mountains." The first European settlement was established in 1613 by French Jesuits who built a mission and were welcomed by indigenous residents. They grew corn and built a fort, Saint Saveur Mission, which is now the name of the Saint Saveur Mountain, which overlooks the point. At the time of this map's publication, the island had become a popular summer destination for prosperous families from New York and Connecticut, and many homes were built that exist to this day. This map's distinctive aesthetic immediately transports the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present. Mount Desert Island has grown considerably during the twentieth century and remains a popular tourist destination for natural attractions and cultural events like the Bar Harbor Music Festival. Overall Size: 30" H x 24" W
