Bear Island Light Station
Bear Island, Acadia National Park, Northeast Harbor, ME Local significance of the district: Engineering; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maine was once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
About Hancock County
Hancock County Timeline
Hancock County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, specifically by the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, who relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for their livelihood. European settlement began in the early 17th century, with the arrival of French and English explorers and fur traders, who established trading posts along the coast.
In the 18th century, Hancock County saw an influx of European settlers, predominantly from England and Scotland. The region played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many local residents participating in the war effort. In 1789, Hancock County was officially established, named after John Hancock, a prominent Founding Father and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
During the 19th century, Hancock County experienced rapid growth and development. Industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and lumbering thrived, thanks to the county's abundant natural resources and access to shipping routes. The city of Ellsworth became the county seat and a major center of commerce. Tourism also began to play a significant role, with wealthy visitors coming to admire the beautiful coastal landscapes and enjoy the summer resorts and cottages that sprang up along the shores.
In the 20th century, Hancock County continued to evolve. The decline of traditional industries such as fishing and shipbuilding led to a shift towards a more service-based economy, with an emphasis on tourism, education, and healthcare. The county is also home to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, which further bolstered the region's popularity as a tourist destination. Today, Hancock County remains a vibrant and picturesque area, offering a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
In the 18th century, Hancock County saw an influx of European settlers, predominantly from England and Scotland. The region played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many local residents participating in the war effort. In 1789, Hancock County was officially established, named after John Hancock, a prominent Founding Father and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
During the 19th century, Hancock County experienced rapid growth and development. Industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and lumbering thrived, thanks to the county's abundant natural resources and access to shipping routes. The city of Ellsworth became the county seat and a major center of commerce. Tourism also began to play a significant role, with wealthy visitors coming to admire the beautiful coastal landscapes and enjoy the summer resorts and cottages that sprang up along the shores.
In the 20th century, Hancock County continued to evolve. The decline of traditional industries such as fishing and shipbuilding led to a shift towards a more service-based economy, with an emphasis on tourism, education, and healthcare. The county is also home to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, which further bolstered the region's popularity as a tourist destination. Today, Hancock County remains a vibrant and picturesque area, offering a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.
Hancock County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hancock County, Maine.
- 1604: French explorer Samuel de Champlain visits the area now known as Hancock County.
- 1613: The French establish a trading post on Mount Desert Island.
- 1629: The French trading post is destroyed by the English.
- 1763: The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War, and the area becomes part of the British colony of Massachusetts.
- 1765: The town of Hancock is incorporated.
- 1789: The District of Maine secedes from Massachusetts and becomes part of the United States.
- 1789-1820: The area experiences rapid settlement and growth.
- 1827: The town of Ellsworth is incorporated.
- 1848: The town of Bar Harbor is incorporated.
- 1852: The town of Bucksport is incorporated.
- 1861-1865: The American Civil War affects Hancock County, with many residents serving in the Union Army.
- 1870s: The region becomes a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the United States.
- 1909: Acadia National Park is established, protecting large areas of Mount Desert Island.
- 1918: The Great Fire of 1918 devastates large parts of Hancock County, including Bar Harbor.
- 1947: The town of Stinson Beach is incorporated.
- 1959: The town of Blue Hill is incorporated.
- Present: The region continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.