Appledore Island facts for kids
Appledore Island is the largest of the Isles of Shoals. These islands are about seven miles off the coast of Maine. Appledore Island is part of the town of Kittery in York County. It was once known as Hog Island.
Island History
Appledore Island was first settled by Europeans a long time ago. This was during the colonial era, when people could easily travel by water. Farming on the island was a good way to make money back then. A church was even built there in 1640.
Around the year 1700, everyone living on Appledore Island moved. They went to Star Island in New Hampshire. They moved to avoid taxes that the government of Massachusetts was charging. At that time, Maine was part of Massachusetts.
The island's most exciting time was in the late 1800s. This was when a special group of artists, musicians, and writers gathered there. Celia Thaxter was the host of this amazing group. She welcomed many famous friends to her home.
Some of these visitors included composer Edward MacDowell and his wife. American pianist William Mason also visited. He was the son of Lowell Mason and played the grand piano in Celia's home every day. John Knowles Paine, America's first important composer, was also a guest.
Artist Childe Hassam painted Celia's beautiful garden. His paintings were similar to those of Monet's famous garden in Giverny. This special time ended when Celia Thaxter passed away in 1894. The island's hotel burned down in 1914. This fire marked the end of Appledore Island's artistic heyday.
Today, Appledore Island is home to the Shoals Marine Laboratory. This lab is run together by Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire. They have been working together since the early 1970s. Most of Appledore Island is owned by the Star Island Corporation.
A large concrete observation tower is a noticeable feature on the island. It was built during World War II. It was meant to hold a radar system. However, the radar unit was never put in place, and its dome is now gone.
Island Geology
The highest point on Appledore Island is about 80 feet above sea level. Most of the island is made of metamorphic rock. A type of rock called gneiss is the most common. Scientists believe the island was formed by five main geological events. These include the formation of the Rye Complex, the intrusion of diorites, the Acadian orogeny, diabase dikes, and glaciation.
You can see signs of these events on the island. There are glacial marks, signs of rubbing, and different rock formations. For example, glaciers helped shape the island into a "whaleback" form. This shape comes from rock cliffs that look like a whale's back.
