Acadia National Park History

The Gift

John D. Rockefeller Jr. gifted the park with much of its land area. Like many rusticators, Rockefeller, whose family fortune was derived from the petroleum industry, wanted to keep the island free of automobiles; but local governments allowed the entry of automobiles on the island's roads. Rockefeller constructed approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) of carriage roads around the eastern half of the island. These roads were closed to automobiles and included many scenic vistas and beautiful stone bridges. Approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) of these roads are within Acadia National Park and open only to hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, horse-drawn carriages and cross country skiers.

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History

Originally designated as Sieur de Monts National Monument in 1916 by presidential proclamation, Congress renamed the park Lafayette National Park in 1919. Congress again enacted a name change in 1929 to the name we now use, Acadia National Park. It was the first NP established east of the Mississippi River.

Historic Carriage Road

The historic carriage road system at Acadia National Park features 17 stone-faced bridges spanning streams, waterfalls, cliffs, and roads. The design of each bridge, such as Cobblestone Bridge, is unique.

Fire in the Park

In October 1947 Acadia National Park, along with some adjacent lands, were ravaged by fire.

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Carriage Roads map

Winding through the heart of the park, the carriage roads have crushed rock surfaces perfect for bicycling. Cyclists share the carriage roads with horses and pedestrians. Bicycling is not permitted on hiking trails or on privately owned carriage roads. A carriage road map (pdf - 644kb) is available.