1904 Map of Mount Desert

About this map

Mount Desert Island dominates this coastal survey, revealing the intricate geography of the Maine shoreline before the mid-century expansion of Acadia. The map documents early-century land use, from the granite extraction at Hall Quarry to the maritime infrastructure of the U.S. Coaling Station on Eastern Bay. While much of the island's interior is preserved within the Lafayette National Monument, the surrounding coastal fringes are dotted with established maritime villages. The established Steamboat Route serves as a reminder of the era's primary transportation network, connecting points like Southwest Harbor and Marlboro to the mainland. The landscape is defined by its massive glacial ponds, including Long Pond and Eagle Lake, which sit between high peaks like Western Mountain. This 1904 edition, updated to 1918, provides a clear view of the area's transition from an industrial and fishing economy toward its future as a premier destination.