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

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

National Historic Site · Maine · National Park Service

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.

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
2074540418
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite · Explorers and Expeditions · Animals · Birds · Climate Change

Activities & features: Paddling · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching

Photos

  • A wayside discussing the history of the island along the interpretive trail.
    NPS Photo
  • A bronze sculpture of a Passamaquoddy person reaching out to assist the French settlers.
    NPS Photo
  • A bronze sculpture of Pierre Dugua with a reenactor standing nearby.
    NPS Photo
  • Three visitors read an interpretive wayside along the trail.
    NPS Photo

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Guides for the trip

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Sources: National Park Service · updated 2026-08-12