Mount Desert Island is a 1,250-square-mile island located in the Gulf of Maine, approximately 175 miles east of Boston, Massachusetts. The island is administered by the Mount Desert Island Conservancy, a private, non-profit organization.
With an elevation of 1,533 feet and a population of 3,700 year-round residents and thousands of transient visitors each year, Mount Desert Island is a popular tourist destination. The primary industries are tourism and fishing.
History
Mount Desert Island has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years. The first humans arrived in the Archipelago around 6000 BC and began to hunt moose and caribou. By AD 1000, there were numerous villages on the island, many of which were destroyed by Dutch explorers in 1614 when they discovered South America.
The British took over the island in 1794 during the French Revolutionary Wars and established a penal colony. The British government sold Mount Desert Island to Baron Frederic de La Tour d’Auvergne in 1817 for $15,000 per acre .
In 1844, LaTour and the American lumberman Irving Stone formed a partnership called the Scots Harbor Tagging Co., which launched a public relations campaign to convince New England merchants that Maine’s bounty of timber should be harvested by private companies rather than expensively purchased already-cut logs.
In 1880, de la Tour died; he left his entire estate “to found an industrial school for girls at Bar Harbor” with outtakes from his biography included in any educational publication under his name. A mill was established on Queensberry Point (now Ellis Island) beginning in 1888 using upcasts and chips to make pulp for the paper industry and as a power-producing site.
Perkins Tagged Liquor Co., Deptford, New Jersey purchased de la Tour’s interests in 1891 and established milling operations at both Queensberry Point (Ellis Island) and Trouts Cove , Maine on Otter Creek with most of the equipment being brought by ship from England. In 1898 Queen Victoria suggested that those who lost their lives in The War Against Spain should be commemorated rather than forgotten. The first memorial was unveiled October 24th, 1898 which originally stood outside Cape Yarmouth .
Climate
The climate of Mount Desert Island is temperate and maritime, with a cool summer moderated by the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 71.2°F (22°C), while the coolest month January averages just 38.6°F (3°C).
There are 42 days where the temperature reaches at least 50 °F (10 °C) annually, but only 4 days that reach temperatures below 46 °F (−7 °C). Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 43 inches (109 cm).
Culture
The culture of Mount Desert Island is predominantly rural with a small town feel. The primary economic activities are fishing, tourism, and logging. There are also a few agricultural industries on the island, but they play a minor role in the economy. Nearly all of the jobs in the tourism industry are seasonal; most people who live on Mount Desert Island year-round work in arts or retail sectors.
The predominant religion practiced by residents is Christianity . With over 60 churches represented on the island there is bound to be one that suits your religious needs!
Politics
The politics of Mount Desert Island are dominated by the Democratic Party . The only major political party on the island is the Democrats. There is no Republican Party presence on the island, as it is considered part of Maine.
The median income for a household in 2010 was $61,740, and the median income for a family was $76,258. Males had a median income of $51,478 versus $41,913 for females. The per capita income for the island was $32,304. About 1% of families and 2% of residents were below poverty line , including 3% of those under by age 65 and 10% of those 65 or older.
The island is well known for its pristine black sand beaches, with many staying on the beach year-round to enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets daily.
As a town that was mainly serviced by fishing vessels , there are still wharves dotting along most coastal towns throughout the islands, although sales tax revenue does not support lighthouses as it once did in pre-Civil War times . In recent decades much tourism has moved towards Acadia National Park & Preserve .
Government services
The island is divided into 8 towns, each with its own municipal government. The town governments are responsible for public works such as road maintenance and garbage disposal, law enforcement and fire protection, utilities like electricity and water, zoning issues , board of health appointments .
Each town also has a Select Board which sets property tax rates based on assessed values. Town meetings are usually the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm in the meeting room in the Municipal Building on Main Street.
The writ of election runs from April to November inclusive.
Tourism
The number of visitors has been steadily increasing in recent years, with more and more people coming to enjoy the natural beauty and pristine beaches on the island. The season runs from early May to late October, although peak months tend to be July and August. Most visitors come for day trips from mainland Maine or Canada, but there is also a small contingent of winter visitors who appreciate the relative warmth .
The major attractions are Acadia National Park & Preserve , Downeast Coast Aquarium , Fort William Henry Museum , Elfin Forest Golf Course (one of only two 18-hole courses on the East Coast and the first public golf course in all of Maine), Schoodic Point Lighthouse , and many lovely beaches .
Conclusion
There’s something about Mount Desert Island that just feels special. Maybe it’s the way the mist constantly swirls around the mountain peaks, or the way the ocean always seems so placid. But whatever it is, it’s enough to put any traveller at ease.
And that’s why, when looking for a place to stay while in Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island is always at the top of the list. With ample lodging options and stunning scenery, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home while on vacation. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to this picturesque island!
FAQs
What Is The Currency In Mount Desert Island?
The currency in Mount Desert Island is the US dollar.
What Are The Transportation Options Available In Mount Desert Island?
The primary transportation options in Mount Desert Island are car and bike.
What Are The Medical Services Available In Mount Desert Island?
The medical services available in Mount Desert Island are limited. Visitors should bring any necessary medication with them.
What Is The Weather Like In Mount Desert Island?
The weather in Mount Desert Island ranges from humid summer days to crisp winter nights.
Is There A Currency Exchange In Mount Desert Island?
There is not a full-service currency exchange in Mount Desert Island. However, many hotels and restaurants will have rates available in US dollars.
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