History of Acadia National Park in Timeline

Acadia National Park, situated along the Maine coast near Bar Harbor, encompasses roughly half of Mount Desert Island, sections of Isle au Haut, the Schoodic Peninsula's tip, and parts of sixteen smaller islands. Its diverse landscape features rocky coastlines, woodlands, lakes, and granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the U.S. Atlantic coast. It is known for its hiking trails, carriage roads, and scenic ocean views.

1901: Hancock County Charter Granted

In 1901, the Maine Legislature granted Hancock County a charter to acquire and hold land on Mount Desert Island in the public interest.

1908: First Land Donated

In 1908, Mrs. Eliza Homans of Boston donated the first land for the establishment of the park.

1909: Charles W. Eliot Supported Acadia National Park

In 1909, Charles W. Eliot (president of Harvard) supported the idea for the park through land donations and advocacy.

1914: 5,000 Acres Acquired

By 1914, 5,000 acres of land had been acquired for the park.

1915: Rockefeller Carriage Road Construction Begins

From 1915, John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed, designed, and directed the construction of a network of carriage roads throughout Acadia National Park.

July 8, 1916: Sieur de Monts National Monument Established

On July 8, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the federal status of Acadia as Sieur de Monts National Monument, marking a significant milestone.

1916: Acadia Designated Sieur de Monts National Monument

In 1916, Acadia was initially designated Sieur de Monts National Monument by President Woodrow Wilson, marking the beginning of its protected status.

1916: George B. Dorr on Acadia National Park

In 1916, George B. Dorr wrote about Acadia National Park in his work "Acadia National Park: Its Origin and Background".

1916: Since The Park's Founding

Since the park's founding in 1916, climate change has lengthened the growing season by nearly two months, threatening native plants.

February 26, 1919: Lafayette National Park Redesignated

On February 26, 1919, the national monument was redesignated as Lafayette National Park, becoming the first American national park east of the Mississippi River.

1919: Acadia Renamed Lafayette National Park

In 1919, Sieur de Monts National Monument was renamed and redesignated as Lafayette National Park, recognizing the area's significance.

1922: Jordan Pond Road Started

In 1922, construction began on the Jordan Pond Road, a scenic motor highway.

1925: Cadillac Mountain Summit Road Started

In 1925, construction began on the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road, providing access to the mountain's peak.

1927: Jordan Pond Road Completed

In 1927, the Jordan Pond Road was completed, offering a scenic route through the park.

January 19, 1929: Acadia National Park Name Change

On January 19, 1929, the park's name was officially changed to Acadia National Park, honoring the former French colony.

1929: Acadia Renamed Acadia National Park

In 1929, Lafayette National Park was renamed Acadia National Park, solidifying its identity and connection to the region's history.

1930: Beatrix Farrand Designs Planting Plans

Around 1930, landscape architect Beatrix Farrand designed the planting plans for the carriage roads, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

1931: Cadillac Mountain Summit Road Completed

In 1931, the Cadillac Mountain Summit Road was completed, allowing visitors to reach the summit by vehicle.

1932: Arthur Stupka Joins Acadia National Park

In 1932, Arthur Stupka joined Acadia National Park as its first naturalist and began publishing "Nature Notes from Acadia".

1935: Arthur Stupka Publishes Nature Notes from Acadia

In 1935, Arthur Stupka concluded the publication of "Nature Notes from Acadia", a four-volume serial.

1940: Rockefeller Carriage Road Construction Ends

Until 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed, designed, and directed the construction of a network of carriage roads throughout Acadia National Park.

1942: George B. Dorr on Acadia National Park

In 1942, George B. Dorr's work "Acadia National Park: Its Origin and Background" was published.

October 17, 1947: Acadia National Park Fire

Beginning on October 17, 1947, a fire consumed more than 10,000 acres of Acadia National Park, causing extensive damage.

1956: Peregrine Falcon Nesting Disappearance

Since 1956, the peregrine falcons disappeared, until their return in 1991.

1961: The Wild Gardens of Acadia Established

In 1961, The Wild Gardens of Acadia was established in the Sieur de Monts area of Acadia National Park, showcasing indigenous plant species.

1980: American Indian Land Claims Settled

American Indian land claims in Maine were legally settled in 1980.

1986: Congress Establishes Park Boundary

In 1986, Congress established the permanent park boundary, defining the extent of Acadia National Park.

1986: Friends of Acadia formed

In 1986, Friends of Acadia (FOA) was founded by Acadia-area residents and park volunteers as a membership-based nonprofit to organize volunteer efforts and private philanthropy.

1989: Bar Harbor Native American Festival Began

The annual Bar Harbor Native American Festival began in 1989, jointly sponsored by the tribes and the Abbe Museum.

1991: American Indian Land Claims Settled

American Indian land claims in Maine were legally settled in 1991.

1991: $3.4 million endowment raised by FOA

Between 1991 and 1996, Friends of Acadia raised a $3.4 million endowment to maintain the park's carriage road system in perpetuity.

1991: Peregrine Falcons Nest in Acadia

In 1991, peregrine falcons successfully nested in Acadia National Park for the first time since 1956, marking a recovery milestone.

1993: Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance Formed

The Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance was formed in 1993 to assist in coordinating the annual festival with the museum.

1996: $3.4 million endowment raised by FOA

Between 1991 and 1996, Friends of Acadia raised a $3.4 million endowment to maintain the park's carriage road system in perpetuity.

1999: Acadia Trails Forever and Island Explorer Established

In 1999, Friends of Acadia established Acadia Trails Forever and the Island Explorer, a free propane-powered bus system.

1999: Acadia Youth Conservation Corps Established

In 1999, the Acadia Youth Conservation Corps was established by FOA and endowed by an anonymous donor.

1999: Island Explorer Bus System Begins

In 1999, the Island Explorer bus system began operations to reduce congestion within Acadia National Park.

2001: Acadia Trails Forever funds raised.

Between 1999 and 2001, Friends of Acadia raised $13 million for Acadia Trails Forever.

2002: Schoodic Education and Research Center Established

In 2002, after the naval base on the Schoodic Peninsula closed, the National Park Service acquired the land and established the Schoodic Education and Research Center (SERC).

2011: Acadia Youth Technology Team Established

In 2011, FOA partnered with park administration to establish the Acadia Youth Technology Team.

2014: Red Pine Scale Confirmed

In 2014, the invasive insect known as the red pine scale was confirmed on dying red pines in Acadia National Park.

2015: Permanent Park Boundary

As of 2015, the permanent park boundary included 12,416 acres of privately owned land under conservation easements.

2015: Schoodic Woods Campground Opened

In 2015, Schoodic Woods, the newest NPS campground located on the Schoodic Peninsula, was opened to the public.

August 3, 2017: Trail Closures for Falcon Nesting

From March 22 to August 3, 2017, certain trails including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Valley Cove Trail, Precipice Trail, and a portion of the Orange and Black Path were closed to avoid disturbance to falcon nesting areas.

2017: Acadia Encompasses 49,075 Acres

As of 2017, Acadia National Park encompasses a total of 49,075 acres, contributing to its diverse landscape.

December 31, 2017: Acadia Encompasses 49,075 Acres

As of December 31, 2017, Acadia National Park encompassed a total of 49,075 acres across various locations.

July 13, 2018: Trail Closures for Falcon Nesting

From April 13 to July 13, 2018, certain trails including Jordan Cliffs Trail, Valley Cove Trail, Precipice Trail, and a portion of the Orange and Black Path were closed to avoid disturbance to falcon nesting areas.

2018: Park Attendance Increased

In 2018, park attendance increased to 3.53 million, setting a new record for the second year in a row, straining infrastructure.

2018: Infrastructure Maintenance Cost Estimated

In 2018, park officials estimated the cost of needed infrastructure maintenance. The cost was $6 million less than the 2019 estimate.

2019: Infrastructure Maintenance Cost Increase

In 2019, park officials estimated that the cost of needed infrastructure maintenance was $65.8 million, which was a $6 million increase from 2018. This backlog compounds existing problems with environmental management and traffic congestion.