Saint Croix Island International Historic Site • Maine

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

A wayside discussing the history of the island along the interpretive trail.

A bronze sculpture of a Passamaquoddy person reaching out to assist the French settlers.

A bronze sculpture of Pierre Dugua with a reenactor standing nearby.

Three visitors read an interpretive wayside along the trail.

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.

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

An interpretive trail guides visitors through the history of the island and the people who called it home.
NPS Photo

The Passamaquoddy's assistance kept the French explorers alive.
NPS Photo

Pierre Dugua and his men spent a dealthy winter on Saint Croix Island.
NPS Photo

As you walk along the trail waysides provide more information about surviving that deadly winter of 1604-05.
NPS Photo

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Duration:: 2 minutes, 59 seconds

While the focus of Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is the French presence here in 1604 and 1605, the Passamaquoddy have taken care of this land for more than 15,000 years. By including some of their stories within its programs on French history, the National Park Service is able to greatly expand our knowledge of the site's importance.

Park visitors observe a statue at Saint Croix Island IHS

Plan Your Visit

Know what to expect prior to your visit at Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.

Entrance to Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Activities and resources to explore Saint Croix Island IHS.

students sit on the floor of the visitor center in front of a park ranger

Learn about all the park has to offer for students and educators including Rangers in the Classroom, field trips and more.

Visitors read about the winter of 1604-05 while looking at a bronze statue.

Events of 1604-1605

Discover the events that took place during the short-lived, but historically important, settlement on Saint Croix Island.

A path through the woods with statues and a small inset figure of human shape in the bottom right

Help us protect the park by following Leave No Trace guidelines.

A ranger with a camera

Photos & Multimedia

Explore this special place through Audio, VIdeo, and Photography.

The setting sun over Downeast Maine National Heritage Area from a distance.

Downeast Maine National Heritage Area

Learn more about one of our newest National Heritage Areas - the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area.

Bronze statue of Passamaquoddy person holding out a basket.

A French version of the website is available.

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

84 Saint Croix Drive
Calais, ME 04619

Phone:

207 454-0418

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