Located in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, Damariscove Island is an uninhabited island noted for its historic connection to early American settlers and conflicts, operated today as a natural preserve by the Boothbay Region Land Trust.

  • What is Damariscove Island and where is it located?
    • Damariscove Island is a two-mile-long island located approximately five nautical miles off the coast of Maine at the mouth of the Damariscotta River.
  • Who originally inhabited Damariscove Island?
    • The island was used as a fishing and settlement site by the Abenaki indigenous people before the arrival of Europeans in North America.
  • When was Damariscove Island first settled by Europeans?
    • The island was settled as a seasonal commercial fishing settlement as early as 1604, and was officially charted by Captain John Smith in 1614.
  • How did Damariscove Island get its name?
    • The island’s name is credited to Humphrey Damerill, a member of the Popham Colony who moved to the region in 1608.
  • When did Damariscove Island become a permanent colony?
    • By 1622, the island had been established as a permanent year-round fishing colony, and it assisted Plymouth Colony pilgrims in the spring of that year.
  • What role did Damariscove Island play in colonial conflicts?
    • In 1671, the Massachusetts Bay Colony claimed the island and established a local government. It became a refuge for 300 settlers fleeing an indigenous attack in 1676. The island was also the target of multiple attacks, including during King William’s War (1689) and Father Rale’s War (1725).
  • What happened to Damariscove Island’s economy?
    • By the time of the American Revolutionary War, the island had a thriving farming and fishing industry. However, by the late 19th century, most farming activity, except for dairy farming, had relocated. By the mid-20th century, the island was largely uninhabited, and its one-room schoolhouse was closed.
  • What is the Damariscove Lifesaving Station?
    • In 1897, the United States Life-Saving Service built the Damariscove Lifesaving Station, which was operated by the United States Coast Guard until 1959. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
  • How is Damariscove Island protected today?
    • Since 1966, much of the island has been protected as a nature preserve, with land originally donated to the Nature Conservancy. In 2005, the Boothbay Region Land Trust took over its care.
  • What modern research is conducted on the island?
    • Since 2009, the island, along with nearby Monhegan and Boon Islands, has been used as a test site for the development of offshore deepwater wind power technology.
  • What attractions are available on Damariscove Island?
    • The island is largely a natural preserve and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It features the privately owned but inactive Damariscove Lifesaving Station, mooring and storage docks for local commercial fishing fleets, and a small museum showcasing native flora, fauna, and historic whaling and fishing equipment.
  • How can visitors access Damariscove Island?
    • Visitors can access the island via private boat travel during the summer. The Boothbay Harbor Land Trust operates two guest moorings and a stone pier for landing. An annual public visitor trip is also offered.
  • Are there hiking trails on the island?
    • The island features three miles of hiking trails. Visitors should wear sturdy protective footwear as trails are rocky. The northern half of the island is a protected bird nesting site for the common eider bird.
  • What wildlife can be seen on Damariscove Island?
    • Visitors can observe large populations of nesting seabirds and muskrats, as well as ruins from the island’s historic settlements.
  • What programs and events are available?
    • The Boothbay Harbor Land Trust offers an annual public excursion with guided tours of the museum and trails. Other programs include naturalist-led hikes, forest bathing walks, and walk and talk events with nature and science professionals.
  • Are there programs for children?
    • Yes! The Land Trust offers year-round programming for children, including a Babes in the Woods program for kids under five during the summer. School groups can also schedule field trips to the island.

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