Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

In June of 1604, French nobleman-courtier Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons and his expedition established a settlement on St. Croix Island. In the milder months, they built houses, a storehouse, kitchen and chapel, and formed strong Aboriginal trade alliances. In the territory they called “l'Acadie,”—the first attempt at year-round colonization by the French—they faced a bitter winter and set the foundation for an enduring French presence in North America.