The History of AcadiaBar Harbor History & Acadia History Through the YearsThe history of Acadia is rich and fascinating and helped make the park what it is today. Come discover the facts about Bar Harbor history and Acadia history with us...  Acadia National Park history is closely intertwined with Bar Harbor history. So, we need to look at both as we discover the true history of Acadia. Acadia was the first national park to be established east of the Mississippi River. In our opinion, it is also the most beautiful national park in the east. We are thankful that early 20th century visionaries saw its potential and fought hard for the land to be set aside as a national park. But for decades, this area seemed to have a very different destiny... A Trip Through the Early History of Acadia
As with most of the US, Acadia's original settlers were Native Americans. They were known as the Wabanaki Indians. Later on, Europeans "discovered" Mount Desert Island, including well-meaning Jesuits, intent on converting the natives, as well as such well-known explorers as Samuel Champlain and Sieur de la Mothe Cadillac (who later settled Detroit). For nearly a century and a half, English and French fought for control of the area. Eventually, after the Revolutionary War, the fledgling United States of America took control. By the early 1800s, there were several thriving settlements on the island. Read more about the early days of Mount Desert Island, Maine... The History of Acadia as a Resort Community
Eventually, wealthy folks like the Rockefellers, Morgans, Fords, Vanderbilts, Carnegies, and Astors, chose to spend their summers here. But the rather primitive lodgings available were not good enough for them. Instead, they built grand "cottages" and engaged in lavish lifestyles, which was the start of a long and glorious phase of Bar Harbor history. But the Great Depression, followed by the Bar Harbor Fire of 1947, changed all that. More: Early Resort Days in Bar Harbor | 1947 Bar Harbor Fire Acadia National Park History
Acadia started out as the Sieur de Monts National Monument, but took on the name and status of Acadia National Park in 1929. Today the park consists of more than 47,000 acres. The simple pleasures of "ocean, forests, lakes, and mountains" are ours to enjoy. Read more about how Acadia became a national park... What Does the Future Hold for Acadia?
But thanks to the dedication of federal employees and local volunteer groups, Acadia continues to thrive. We sincerely hope that she continues to do so for many centuries to come. Read more about Acadia's future...
We hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into the history of Acadia. Be sure to click the links on this page to explore the various topics about Bar Harbor history and Acadia history in greater depth. |
The land, of course, has been here for many eons. The pink granite cliffs called Otter Cliffs were formed 350 million years ago from liquid magma. Acadia's lovely Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and other bodies of water were created when glaciers 3000 feet thick dug great troughs into the land as they moved from north to south. And when the glaciers finally melted... about 13,000 years ago, they left behind huge boulders like Bubble Rock, which are called glacial erratics.
By the mid-1800s, the area had been popularized as a rustic haven for vacationers, and by the 1880s, tourism was a booming industry. 
Some of the early-20th century wealthy landowners that came here to play for many years recognized the need to preserve Acadia for future generations. Through their efforts, many lands were donated and/or set aside... 6000 acres by the year 1913. Men such as George B. Dorr and John D. Rockefeller are directly responsible for the Acadia we love today.
Acadia is a small, self-contained park that every year sees more and more visitors. That is putting a strain on an already over-burdened—and underfunded—national park system.
