Last updated: March 19, 2026
The Beginning of a Permanent European Presence in Northern North America
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.
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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.
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Events of 1604-1605
Discover the events that took place during the short-lived, but historically important, settlement on Saint Croix Island.
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Downeast Maine National Heritage Area
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