History of Acadia

The history of Acadia National Park, Maine is one of appreciation and preservation of nature. It is the only national park in New England and was the first one established east of the Mississippi.

The park was originally known as the Lafayette National Park and was established in 1916. The name Lafayette National Park came from Marquis de Lafayette, who was a key supporter of the American Revolution.

This name was eventually changed to Acadia National Park in 1929.

Acadia Land

A group in Hancock County, led by George Dorr, offered 6,000 acres to the U.S. Government for conservation. Dorr made the dream of a national park happen by tirelessly pursuing federal status for the park and finally obtained it from President Woodrow Wilson.

In 1913, President Wilson set aside the 6,000 acres for the park. However, the private citizens of Bar Harbor gave much more land and support for this to happen. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. himself even gave 11,000 acres! That's about one third of the entire park!

From 1915 to 1933, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. decided to finance, design and direct the construction of beautiful carriage trails throughout the park. This included not only over 50 miles of trails, but also 2 gate lodges and 17 granite bridges. They are still in use today.

When much of the park burned in 1947, the Rockefeller family took it upon themselves to help restore the park to its original beauty. Regrowth was allowed to occur naturally and many think that the fire only helped enhance the park's natural beauty.

Protecting and Preserving

Acadia National Park is able to continue its mission, thanks to the contributions of time, effort and funds from park volunteers, visitors and groups like Friends of Acadia. All of whom help to preserve and protect the park for present and future generations.

Today the park encompasses 47,000 acres, and the enjoyment of the ocean, forests, lakes, and mountains that for over a century have been sought and found by millions, is here for the pleasures of one and all.

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