Eagle Island (Penobscot Bay, Maine) facts for kids
Eagle Island is a beautiful island that covers 263 acres. It is located in Penobscot Bay, Maine, a state in the United States. You can find it between two other places called North Haven and Deer Isle. The island is part of Hancock County.
Even though it's close to the town of Deer Isle, Eagle Island is not officially part of that town. Instead, it's an "unincorporated territory" of Maine. This means it's directly managed by the state government, not by a local town.
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Discovering Eagle Island's History
Eagle Island has a long and interesting past. It has been home to people for many years. Learning about its history helps us understand how the island became what it is today.
Who First Owned Eagle Island?
A man named John C. Gray owned Eagle Island a long time ago. On November 18, 1844, he sold most of the island to Samuel Quinn. However, John C. Gray kept a small piece of land. This small piece was where the Eagle Island Light (a lighthouse) was located. He had already given that part of the island to the government.
How Did Samuel Quinn Get the Island?
Samuel Quinn paid $1500 to John C. Gray for the island. This was a lot of money back then! Samuel Quinn also bought half of another island called Fling Island. Plus, he bought all the farming tools, hay, cows, and sheep that John C. Gray owned on Eagle Island.
Who Lives on Eagle Island Today?
Today, many of Samuel Quinn's family members still own most of Eagle Island. They continue to live there, keeping the island's history alive. This shows how important the island has been to their family for generations.
