02/04/2010
Campobello Island, FDR’s Retreat
A day trip to Canada’s Campobello Island is a great way to survey the easternmost section of the Maine coast and learn about America’s most important 20th century president. Just 90 miles from Ellsworth, access to the island is across a bridge from Lubec, Maine, where US citizens must go through customs. Interestingly, this is the only way the island can be reached except by ferry from Canada. Last summer we visited Lubec and on a whim decided to see if we could get across without passports. The Canadian side said, “Sure, but I can’t guarantee the U.S. side will let you back in”. They did, but if you want to make this trip I would bring passports! The former Roosevelt property has been lovingly transformed into an international park. It always humbles me how friendly and generous our northern neighbor is. The 2800 acre Roosevelt Campobello International Park is close to the bridge and consists of a welcome center and the family cottage. The welcome center has a movie theater and many displays about the Roosevelts as well as how well our two countries have cooperated over the years.
The cottage is preserved as it was when FDR was president. Inside are lots of small bedrooms including a section for the servants and cooks. We were told that Eleanor didn’t spend much time in the kitchen. Franklin was often sailing if not busy with the affairs of state. Outside are gardens with flowers planted to bloom in late July and August. Nine trails are also available to wander. Most are between one and two miles in length.
A trip to Campobello is not complete without a visit to the northern tip where East Quaddy Head Lighthouse stands. Just reaching the lighthouse is an adventure. First, you have to wait until the tide has exposed enough ground to cross. By the way, the tides here are among the highest in the world, 28 feet! Then you have to descend a wet, slippery path and rusty ladder to reach the temporary path…and do the same on the other side. Finally, you have to make sure you retrace your steps before the tide comes roaring back in. Shortly after we left we heard the sad story of a couple who waited too long and were swept away. They were eventually pulled out of the water but one later died.
Consider a trip to Campobello Island when you visit Acadia. Not only will you reach the eastern extreme of the United States, you will learn about the man who led the Greatest Generation.
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Filed under Day trips, History, off island by on Feb 4th, 2010. Comment.
Comments on Campobello Island, FDR’s Retreat »
please no one try to cross campobello please please please….that was my grandfather who passed away and it was only a year ago…im still in shock..ever since then my life has been a wreck…please please please people…do not cross campobello it is so sad and so so so so dangerous. the tides raise about five feet per hour. please dont cross
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!