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Frenchman Bay facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Frenchman Bay is a beautiful bay located in Hancock County, Maine, in the United States. It was named after Samuel de Champlain, a famous French explorer. He explored this area way back in 1604.

Some historians believe that a very early settlement, the St. Sauveur mission, might have been built here in 1613 by a group called the Jesuits. Later, in 1960, a historian named Samuel Eliot Morison wrote that the bay got its name because French warships used it as a meeting spot before battles with the English.

Where is Frenchman Bay?

Frenchman Bay is surrounded by interesting landforms. To the east, you'll find the Schoodic Peninsula. To the west, there's Mount Desert Island. Both of these areas are part of the amazing Acadia National Park.

Islands in the Bay

The bay is home to many islands. The biggest one is called Ironbound Island. If you're looking for the highest point on any of the islands, you'll find it on Jordan Island.

Towns on the Bay

The largest town located on Frenchman Bay is Bar Harbor. This popular town is found on Mount Desert Island.

How Big is Frenchman Bay?

Frenchman Bay is quite large! It stretches for about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from north to south. At its widest point, it measures about 7 miles (11 kilometers) across.

Frenchman Bay with Bar Island on the left and the Porcupine Islands (left-to-right: Sheep, Burnt, Long and Bald) around the town of Bar Harbor from the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park
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Frenchman Bay Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.