Introduction

Saint Croix Island, located off the coast of Maine in the United States, has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. While many people are familiar with the island’s more recent European settlement, few know about its indigenous peoples who lived there for centuries before. This post will delve into the forgotten history of Saint Croix Island and explore the lives of its original inhabitants.

The Indigenous Peoples

Saint Croix Island was originally inhabited by the Passamaquoddy tribe, a subgroup of the Wabanaki confederation. The Wabanaki people have lived in the region for thousands of years, long before European settlement. They were skilled hunters and gatherers, and their diet consisted mainly of fish, game, and berries.

The Early Years

The earliest known inhabitants of Saint Croix Island were the Passamaquoddy people. They lived on the island for generations, developing a thriving community with its own language, customs, and traditions. The Wabanaki people believed that they had been given the island by the Great Spirit, and it was considered sacred land.

European Settlement

In 1604, French explorer Pierre Dugua sailed to Saint Croix Island and claimed it for France. Over the next few decades, more settlers arrived, including English colonists who established a settlement on the mainland. The Wabanaki people were initially friendly towards the Europeans, but tensions grew as the settlers began to encroach on their land.

Conflict

In 1613, a group of Passamaquoddy warriors attacked a French settlement on the mainland, killing several settlers. This event marked the beginning of a long period of conflict between the Wabanaki people and European colonizers. The Wabanaki were skilled fighters and managed to resist many attempts by the Europeans to settle on their land.

Disease

In addition to conflict, the arrival of European diseases such as smallpox and influenza had a devastating impact on the Wabanaki population. Many of them died from these diseases, which they had no immunity to. This further weakened their ability to resist the encroachment of European settlers.

Exile

In 1614, Jean-Vincent de Brou, a French settler, arrived on Saint Croix Island with his wife and children. The Wabanaki people attacked them, killing several members of the family. De Brou was forced to flee back to France, but he left behind his daughter, who had been born on the island.

Conclusion

Saint Croix Island has a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. From its original inhabitants, the Passamaquoddy people, to the European settlers who arrived in the 17th century, each group has played an important role in shaping the island’s story. Today, Saint Croix Island is a popular tourist destination, but it is also an important cultural and historical site for the Wabanaki people.